Mogadishu (UM) – The scenes could not have been more dramatic or spectacular as Somali security service agents and airport staff argued and fought with UAE Embassy staff at Aden Abdulle International Airport yesterday over the illegal delivery of nearly $10 million on a private jet. The private jet flew from Abu Dhabi to Mogadishu most likely carrying bags of cash for distribution to influence the Motion of No Confidence against the Speaker who resigned today.
The UAE will no doubt claim that these funds were meant to support the Somali people but there was never any agreement between the Somali government and the UAE for this type of assistance. Even if there was an agreement and the support was genuine, why sneak it in by private jet when it is against international banking laws? The UAE has been quick in labelling other States as sponsors of terrorism but its own actions of moving substantial amounts of cash across borders can give rise to strengthening suspicions among Somalis and other international groups that they are financing either political instability in Somalia or terrorism or worse, both.
The Somali Federal Government has made clear that it had no knowledge of this money coming into Somalia through a statement released by the Ministry of Internal Security. The statement makes clear that the Ministry of Internal Security and other government agencies will be investigating the source and purpose of this illicit money flow into the country. For now, the confiscated money is deposited in the Central Bank of Somalia.
The Somali Federal Government should undertake the investigation by following the financial trail and international partners should provide every assistance as illicit money flows across borders is an international crime and threat to regional and global security. The UAE will no doubt protest but if the money was truly for purposes other than destabilising Somalia, they should come forward with their evidence and claim their money back. However, this is unlikely to be the case because why would they hide this from the Federal government, especially, at a time when it can assist them with their national revenue priority? Also, why not use one of the many Somali Money Transfer businesses based in Dubai like everyone else if the money is sincerely meant for supporting the Somali people? The UAE is not known to be a humble or shy contributor to anything.
If after the investigation, the UAE is found to be guilty of this criminal offence, the Somali government must expel their long serving, meddling and undiplomatic representative in Somalia. He has already been summoned by the Foreign Ministry last month to explain the DP World agreement and now he and his bad attitude must be kicked out permanently. After this, the Somali government should process the confiscated $9.6 million through the country systems and budget it for use in the midterm budget review. If the UAE wants their money back, they must request it in writing and admit their guilt to a watching world which is also sick of their meddling in Somalia.
The Somali people are tired of UAE bullying and meddling in their politics. Agreed, the UAE provides support to Somalia, but all this is worthless if they continue to destabilise Somalia with their dirty money and the tainted ex-Somali politicians on their payroll. If this meddling in Somali domestic affairs does not end immediately, it is time to roll up the UAE flag in Somalia and send them all packing home. Living with this indignity and instability is far worse than any other action the UAE can take against Somalis living and working in their country.
