Villa Somalia under fire over alleged misuse of donated military helicopters

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Authorities in Mogadishu may find it difficult to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged misuse of helicopters donated to the Somali National Army (SNA) for operational and logistical support in the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab.

While details remain limited, multiple sources have implicated Villa Somalia—the presidential palace—in what appears to be a developing scandal that may trigger audit investigations and renewed scrutiny from international donors.

According to confidential sources, helicopters intended for the Somali National Army [SNA] have allegedly been rented out as private charters to military officials and personnel from other security sectors. This practice reportedly involves aircraft donated by international partners, raising serious concerns over transparency and accountability.

The rental fees for these flights are said to range between $5,000 and $8,000 per trip, covering personnel transport, medevac, and rescue operations. If confirmed, the scandal could test the integrity of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration, particularly as it depends heavily on international support in the fight against terrorism.

Somalia reportedly received six Bell 412 helicopters between 2023 and 2024 from Italy and other partner nations as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its counter-terrorism capabilities. However, sources allege that Villa Somalia registered the aircraft under a private company named Gem-Tech, managed by Ahmed Nur—a close associate of President Mohamud.

After registration, the helicopters were repainted and marked as belonging to the Somali Air Force (SAF), yet continue to operate under the call sign "6-Oscar," which is typically reserved for civilian aircraft. This discrepancy has raised further questions about the opacity of their operations and potential misuse.

These allegations surface amid a broader climate of uncertainty surrounding the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The mission’s future is now in doubt after the United States signaled plans to suspend its funding until the European Union and other donors contribute matching amounts. The U.S. has historically played a leading role in financing and supporting AUSSOM, including training elite units such as the Danab Special Forces.

The funding freeze follows long-standing concerns over misuse of resources in Somalia’s security sector. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had withdrawn American troops over what he labeled "resource wastage," though they were later redeployed by President Joe Biden.

“Somalia and its international partners are facing a serious reckoning,” said security analyst Abdisalam Guled.

“The AUSSOM mandate is due to expire within weeks, and there’s little likelihood of an extension given the financial shortfalls. Embassies and international bodies are slowly scaling back their presence in a quiet, gradual withdrawal. The question now is: what’s next for Somalia?”

Concerns over the potential misappropriation of donated equipment and other public resources could further erode donor confidence at a time when Al-Shabaab is regaining momentum in central regions.

Villa Somalia has not officially responded to the allegations. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, no stranger to controversy, has previously dismissed accusations involving his family in corruption and questionable business dealings as politically motivated “witch-hunts” orchestrated by the opposition.

GAROWE ONLINE