In brief
- Somali Guardian reported on 28 December 2020 that Al-Shabaab halted the reconstruction of an airport in Baladwayne, Somalia.
- The report says Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe ordered the airstrip's reconstruction after militias refused him landing at the main airport.
- Somali Guardian's report does not establish what has happened at the site since the reported halt.
Somali Guardian reported on 28 December 2020 that the militant group Al-Shabaab had halted the reconstruction of an airport in Baladwayne, Somalia, where Hirshabelle regional President Ali Gudlawe would land, according to the outlet's exclusive report.
The report states that armed clan militias refused Gudlawe permission to land at Baladwayne's main airport. Days later, Gudlawe, who was elected in November, ordered the reconstruction of an airstrip in the west of Baladwayne.
Somali Guardian reported that Al-Shabaab sent messages to engineers and staff engaged in the renovation work. Sources within the Hirshabelle administration told the outlet that Al-Shabaab ordered the engineers and other crew members involved in the reconstruction to immediately discontinue working on the project. The group's orders brought an end to the renovation of the airport at that time, according to the report.
The report described the airport renovation as vital for a visit Gudlawe aims to pay to the town. It also noted that residents of Baladwayne staged protests against Gudlawe immediately after his election, and that Al-Shabaab had earlier halted construction of the Hirshabelle presidential palace, the region's Ministry of Finance headquarters and other compounds for institutions.
Somali Guardian's report does not establish what has happened at the site since the reported halt. It provides no dates for the reconstruction order, the start of work, the sending of messages or the halting of work. The report does not name a contractor, consultant, client, funder, project value or total cost for the airport reconstruction, and it does not say whether work has resumed or whether the president's visit has occurred.
Frequently asked questions
What evidence supports the claim that Al-Shabaab halted the airport reconstruction?
Somali Guardian reported the halt, citing sources within the Hirshabelle administration who said Al-Shabaab sent messages and ordered engineers to stop work. The report does not provide independent confirmation beyond these unnamed sources.
What is the current status of the airport reconstruction?
The Somali Guardian report of 28 December 2020 does not state whether work has resumed or what the current status is. Any update would require attribution to a named authority or verified source.