(23-Feb-23) Mogadishu, Somalia – Chaos broke out at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport on Thursday as flights were unable to depart on schedule due to a fuel shortage, reportedly caused by mismanagement at the Somali Civil Aviation Authority and project scandals.
In response to the Authority’s mismanagement, Somalia’s State Minister for Transportation, MP Mohamed Ali Omar (Ananug), resigned from his position on Wednesday, citing gross incompetence and mismanagement within the Ministry. Ananug stated that he had received numerous complaints from civil servants and contractors, some of which were from companies and contractors operating at the airport with legal permits.
Ananug claimed to have personally raised the issues with the Minister of Transport, Fardowsa Osman Igal, but to no avail. Ironically, the State Minister’s resignation occurred just a day after the Ministry of Transport banned an aviation fueling company from operating within Aden Abdulle International Airport, citing safety and security concerns. This move was met with opposition from the State Ministry, which allowed the company to continue operating.
The chaotic situation at Mogadishu’s airport sheds light on the continuing mismanagement and disputes within Somalia’s aviation industry. It remains uncertain when the fuel shortage will be resolved and flights will resume on time at Aden Adde Airport.
