This opinion piece, “Somaliland: Diplomatic Statement and National Warning,” written by Eng. Abdi Ali Barkhad, expresses strong concerns about the administration in Mogadishu (Villa Somalia) and its impact on Somaliland and regional stability.
Here’s a breakdown:
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Accusations against Villa Somalia: The author accuses the Mogadishu-based administration of corruption, mismanagement, and ties to the Al-Shabaab organization. Specific allegations include illegally transferring public land, using a new “E-Visa” system for private enrichment, and seizing control of Somaliland’s airspace.
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Threat to Somaliland: The article claims the Mogadishu administration’s actions pose a direct threat to Somaliland’s sovereignty, economy, and security. A specific example is given of an ambulance aircraft being denied access to Somali airspace.
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Airspace Control Concerns: The author argues that if Somaliland’s airspace isn’t returned to its government, the revenue generated from it could be used to fund Al-Shabaab.
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Call to Action: The piece urges the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the international community to intervene, with ICAO taking supervisory authority over Somaliland’s airspace. The author believes that the Mogadishu administration cannot be trusted with regional airspace or public resources.
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E-Visa Scam Allegations: The author calls the Mogadishu E-Visa system a scam, alleging that payments are going to private accounts and that a Mogadishu immigration official is attempting to sell applicants’ credit card information. The Minister of Aviation of Somaliland is reportedly engaging with international agencies to address this issue. The author states the E-Visa is not applicable in Somaliland, and that the Mogadishu government does not even control its own territories.
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Author’s Bias: It’s important to note that the author is a strong supporter of the Republic of Somaliland, which suggests a potential bias in the presentation of the information. The article presents a highly critical view of the Mogadishu administration.
The complete piece is as follows:
Somaliland: Diplomatic Statement and National Warning
Eng. Abdi Ali Barkhad
The Dangerous Mismanagement by the Villa Somalia Regime and Its Threat to Airspace Security and Regional Stability
The administration based in Mogadishu, controlled by a small group closely linked to the Al-Shabaab organization, cannot be trusted to manage its own territory, public assets, or the region’s airspace. Reliable intelligence confirms that this small clique in Villa Somalia effectively governs only limited parts of Mogadishu, while most of the country remains under the control of Al-Shabaab militants.
This political faction in Villa Somalia has unlawfully begun transferring and selling public land and property once owned by the former Somali state, distributing it to individuals with whom they share personal or political interests. This reckless behavior undermines national integrity and violates the principles of good governance and public accountability.
Recently, the same group launched an “E-Visa” system, which is being used as a tool for private enrichment rather than legitimate state service. Every traveler entering Somalia is now required to purchase an online visa, with payments deposited into private accounts allegedly controlled by the family of the President of Villa Somalia, according to verified intelligence sources.
Furthermore, the regime has gradually seized control of the Somaliland airspace, posing a direct threat to the sovereignty, economy, and security of the Republic of Somaliland. In a disturbing recent incident, an ambulance aircraft carrying a patient from Hargeisa Airport was denied access to Somali-administered airspace, an alarming example of how political hostility is being prioritized over humanitarian needs.
If the management of Somaliland’s airspace is not returned to the Government of Somaliland , as is rightfully stipulated based on the historical status of June 26, 1960, when Somaliland was an independent state prior to the union , there is a serious risk that the revenues generated from airspace control will be used to fund and expand the Al-Shabaab organization.
Therefore, we urgently call upon the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the international community to take immediate action. ICAO must assume supervisory authority and ensure that the portion of airspace belonging to Somaliland is administered in accordance with international law and the historical rights of the Somaliland nation.
No responsible government should entrust the management of regional airspace or public resources to a corrupt administration influenced by extremist networks. Entrusting such powers to Villa Somalia endangers not only Somaliland but the broader security of the Horn of Africa.
E-Visa introduces by the Villa Somalia clique
Regarding the so-called E-Visa introduced by the government based in Mogadishu, it is a scam and has no legal standing, that Visa and Mastercard would never authorize their payment platforms to be used by a government whose officials are linked to terrorist organizations or classified as corrupt.
In any legitimate payment system, there are payment gateways and processors that handle credit or debit card transactions under strict money laundering laws .
However, in this case, Mr Mustafa Duhulow, the Director of Mogadishu Immigration, a former taxi driver in London, is using a tire company in Leicester to collect money on behalf of his so-called Mogadishu Immigration Office.
Mr Mustafa is also attempting to sell the credit card information of applicants to scams companies in China, and allegedly plans to share applicants’ data with Interpol.
According to reliable sources, Interpol has refused to cooperate with him, but other entities might still be tempted to accept such data for free.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation of Somaliland is actively engaging with international agencies to alert them about this scam.
The Mogadishu E-Visa is not applicable in Somaliland, as the Somalia government based in Mogadishu does not control its own territories, including Puntland airports such as Bossaso and Garowe, let alone.
