Somalia shuts UN airport terminal in Mogadishu, says used to smuggle ‘uncontrolled commodities’

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somali government has shut down an airport terminal used by UN and AMISOM staff noting the facility was being used to smuggle ‘uncontrolled commodities’ and passage of travellers who are neither members of the two organisations.

In a letter dated December 22 seen by Goobjoog News, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the MOVCONN terminal is forthwith closed and all UN and AMISOM passengers are directed to use the main terminal at Ade Adde Airport.

“The Ministry is informing you that the Federal Government of Somalia has announced MOVCON Terminal is closed until further notice to ensure the continuity of the normal services,” the letter read in part.

Those with diplomatic and service passports will use the VIP lounge while ordinary passport holders are ‘directed to the main terminal, the letter read in part.

In closing the terminal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cites instances it deems violated the immigration law. ‘In several incidents, the letter reads, “UN flight have landed in Aden Adde airport without prior submission of essential documents such as the manifest through the official immigration communication channels.

The government also accuses the UN and AMISOM of allowing passengers with no or incomplete travel documentation in addition to barring immigration officials to oversee the facility.

The Ministry adds that it decided to close the terminal after unarmed police officers deployed to MOVCOM were sent away.

The closure of the facility comes amid unease in relations between the Federal Government and AMISOM. On November 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the expulsion of AMISOM deputy chief Simon Mulongo. It remains unclear if Mulongo left the country.