UPD condemns airspace blockade, accuses govt of rights violation

The Union for Peace and Development (UPD) party has condemned the barring of former president Sheikh Sharif Ahmed from travelling to Kismayu and the subsequent suspension of flight to the coastal city.

In a statement Monday, UPD whose chairman is former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the decision by the government violated the citizen’s right to movement and assembly. The party said the two freedoms are guaranteed and protected by the Provisional Constitution.

While calling on the government to respect citizen’s rights, the party called for an ‘urgent meeting’ bringing together various stakeholders to find ways to address the challenges facing the country.

Earlier, president Mohamud accused the Federal Government of ‘weaponising’ the airspace for political ends’.

‘It’s a sad situation the government uses the management of the air space as a political weapon that can have a serious ramification on the political stability and the unity of the country,” the former president said.