Digital Blockade and Systemic Corruption: Assessing the Impact of Somalia's Federal E-Visa on Somaliland Travel (2025)

This white paper analyzes the geopolitical and administrative crisis caused by the Federal Government of Somalia’s Electronic Travel Authorization System (eTAS) and its impact on Somaliland travelers. Following a 2025 data breach, Somalia’s e-visa system collapsed into manual verification via social media, fostering systemic corruption and illegal revenue collection from Somaliland citizens.
The report provides legal and historical evidence showing that Somaliland is a sovereign state restored in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali Republic, and that the UN seat originally belonged to Somaliland. It examines how the African Union’s misinterpretation of border principles and the Federal Government’s misuse of aviation authority have violated international law and human rights.
Prepared by Eng. Abdulkadir Mohamoud Sugal, Founder of HAWDO, this paper calls for ICAO, IATA, the AU, and the UN to recognize Somaliland’s border control, aviation sovereignty, and digital independence.