DOOLOW, Gedo, Somalia — Doolow airport in Somalia’s Gedo region has reopened after remaining closed for nearly two years amid a political dispute between the federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration, local officials said.
The reopening comes as security activity has increased in the border district, which has been at the centre of tensions between Mogadishu and Jubaland.
Separately, Doolow district commissioner Mohamed Hussein Abdi Lafeey on Saturday presided over the graduation of Jubaland Darawish forces who had completed several months of commando-level military training in the town.
Lafeey congratulated the troops and urged them to use the skills they had acquired to serve the country and local communities.
He said their responsibilities included strengthening security, helping reclaim areas held by militants and protecting Jubaland’s institutions.
The commissioner also called on the soldiers to maintain discipline and protect the reputation and honour of the security forces.
He urged them to uphold national unity and carry out their duties with loyalty, patriotism and responsibility.
Lafeey also praised the leadership of the security forces in Doolow, particularly Mohamed Hassan Buulle, the town’s security commander, for what he described as effective leadership and cooperation between intelligence services and Jubaland’s Darawish forces.
Doolow is strategically located near Somalia’s border with Ethiopia and has long been important for trade, security and political activity in Gedo.
The region has been a major flashpoint in the dispute between the federal government and Jubaland, with competing authorities and security forces operating in parts of Gedo.
The reopening of the airport could improve transport links for residents and facilitate the movement of officials and humanitarian workers, although its long-term operation could remain sensitive given the wider political tensions.
Neither federal authorities nor Jubaland officials immediately provided further details on the circumstances surrounding the airport’s reopening.
The reopening also comes as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen state security institutions and expand the role of local forces in areas affected by conflict and political instability.
