Somalia: Company Close to President’s Office Sparks Controversy Over Travel Revenue Control

A company linked to Villa Somalia is at the centre of a controversial revenue deal, which could yet again paint the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud negatively, leading to potential criticism at the national level.

The Empire Company is said to be operating with full approval of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is is believed to have previously held contracts related to travel revenue collection. This could spark a national debate on conflict of interest.

And now, sources said, the company has been granted authorisation to collect additional funds beyond its initial mandate. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration has been battling allegations of corruption and nepotism for a while.

This new arrangement reportedly covers contentious areas involving airspace management, passport services, and immigration administration.

Sources confirm that all revenue collections related to the travel sector have been centralised under Empire Company, giving it full control — a move described as unprecedented in Somalia’s history. The government is trying to reorganise the sector.

Beginning this week, the company will collect four key types of fees, following a decision that was finalised on Saturday and will soon be officially announced through formal documentation, sources said. Garowe Online could not fully authenticate the report.

For a while now, passport processing fees have been undertaken by the company, with Empire receiving 55% of the revenue share. It is also ranking the Residence visa fees, with a 40% revenue share.

Other benefits include penalties and fines from cases of illegal residency, from which the company will take 80% and the E-Visa fees, with a share exceeding 45 per cent of the collected revenue.

This development has sparked growing debate within government and business circles, as concerns mount over transparency and the concentration of financial authority in a single private entity, analysts argue.

Running the country has been challenging for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with critics accusing him of participating in corruption activities. However, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has remained calm, insisting that opponents are against policies meant to develop the country.

GAROWE ONLINE