UN ‘regrets’ closure of terminal in Mogadishu, says move was ‘abrupt’

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The UN in Somalia has lamented the decision by the Somali government ordering the closure of an airport terminal in Mogadishu noting it was issued without sufficient consultation and abruptly.

The UN Assistance Mission (UNSOM) however it abides by the decision and has forthwith closed the facility which was used by UN and AMISOM staff.

“We take seriously any concerns that the Federal Government may raise about UN operations at any time and regret that this instruction to close was issued abruptly and with minimal prior consultation,” UNSOM said in a statement.

It further said the accusations levelled against it by the government had not been presented in ‘detail to permit an inquiry.’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the UN and Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) on December 22 it was closing MOVCON terminal citing abuse of immigration protocol. The government said it had evidence to prove that persons who were neither UN nor AMISOM and those with limited or no documentation had been cleared to use the terminal.

Somalia also claimed the terminal was being used to ‘smuggle uncontrolled commodities.’