Turkish firm Favori’s unchecked operations in Somalia expose systemic issues tied to President Erdogan’s influence.
The management of Somalia’s Mogadishu Aden Abdulle International Airport by Turkish company Favori LLC has become a focal point of controversy, bringing allegations of corruption, labor exploitation, and political interference into sharp focus. Backed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Favori’s operations demonstrate the intersection of political patronage and questionable corporate practices.
Favori LLC, a subsidiary of the Kozuva Group, had no prior experience in aviation management before securing the 20-year contract in 2013 to oversee the airport. Despite lacking qualifications, the deal was facilitated at a high political level, reportedly due to Erdogan’s direct intervention. This decision prompted immediate questions about the legitimacy of the agreement and whether it represented a misuse of influence by Turkish leadership.
The company’s operations have since been marred by allegations of corruption and abuse. Most recently, the arrest of Favori’s HR manager, Ertuğrul Karaferiyeli, on charges of sexual harassment and labor violations highlighted the firm’s alleged mistreatment of Somali employees. Although Somali authorities initially took a strong stance, Karaferiyeli’s subsequent release—reportedly facilitated through an out-of-court settlement—underscored the perceived impunity enjoyed by the company and its executives.
Favori’s rise exemplifies how Erdogan’s political influence has been leveraged to secure lucrative international contracts for Turkish firms with close ties to his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
The Kozuva family, which owns Favori, has longstanding ties to Erdogan and the AKP. Favori transitioned from a small construction company into a major player in airport management, coinciding with Erdogan’s support and political backing.
The 2016 UN report on Favori’s contract further criticized the deal, describing it as a “technically poor agreement” that disproportionately benefited the private firm over Somalia’s federal government. Concerns over the revenue-sharing model and the contract’s broader implications for Somali sovereignty highlighted the deeper issues of foreign intervention and exploitation.
Somalia’s reliance on foreign operators like Favori reflects the broader challenge of rebuilding state infrastructure in a post-conflict environment. While international partnerships can offer critical expertise and funding, they also risk entrenching power imbalances and fostering dependency.
The allegations surrounding Favori’s management of Mogadishu’s airport raise urgent questions about governance, accountability, and ethical business practices in Somalia. Moreover, they underscore the risks of political influence shaping economic decisions, often at the expense of local workers and national interests.
As Somalia works to strengthen its institutions and assert its sovereignty, the Favori case serves as a cautionary tale of the need for transparency, rigorous oversight, and equitable agreements in public-private partnerships. For Turkey, the controversy highlights the reputational risks associated with using political influence to secure international contracts, raising broader questions about Erdogan’s legacy on the global stage.
