Hassan Xashi, chairman of the Somali Airlines Association, has publicly accused the Somali government of failing to pay $12,000 owed for a recent government delegation flight to Las Anod.
According to Xashi, the offices of the Minister of Transport, the Prime Minister, and the Director of Civil Aviation Authority all refused to cover the flight expenses. “They requested the flight to Las Anod but then refused the funds they had promised. Consequently, the airlines had to collect the money themselves,” Xashi said.
It remains unclear whether this incident concerns the latest delegation that included the Minister of Defense or an earlier large delegation involving multiple ministers, which is still under scrutiny.
The government has not yet issued a statement addressing the allegations. Meanwhile, the airline association has provided a letter confirming that private contributions were collected to cover the unpaid charges.
This dispute raises questions about the government’s handling of official travel expenses amid ongoing political tensions surrounding Las Anod and regional governance.
