Mogadishu, SOMALIA – In a move that has left domestic travelers stranded and stirred controversy, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation in Mogadishu airport introduced an unexpected $9 security screening fee on each domestic ticket. This decision, met with rejection by airlines, underscores a growing concern over the financial pressures faced by travelers within Somalia, a nation already grappling with the high costs of internal flights.
Early this morning, confusion and frustration ensued at Mogadishu’s airport as passengers learned they could not board their flights without the newly imposed security fee. Airlines, equally taken aback by the sudden policy, ceased operations, leaving travelers in limbo. The imposition of this fee not only disrupted plans but also raised critical questions about the rationale behind transferring security costs to passengers, especially in a context where air travel is a lifeline connecting the nation’s disparate regions.
The High Cost of Traveling Domestically in Somalia
Domestic air travel in Somalia is notoriously expensive, with ticket prices significantly surpassing those in many other parts of the world. From Mogadishu to cities like Garowe, Bosaso, Kismayo, Baidoa, and Hargeysa, substantial taxes and airport charges already burden passengers with high fares. The addition of a security fee further exacerbates the financial strain on travelers, many of whom rely on these services for essential travel. This move, coinciding with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s reelection, has sparked speculation and criticism over its timing and true intent.
The mandatory use of Sahal, a transport service with close government ties, for travel between Mogadishu’s KM4 and the airport has been a contentious issue. Created during President Mohamud’s first term, the service exemplifies the entanglement of business and government interests, raising alarms about the resurgence of corruption practices. This scenario has led to public outcry and condemnation from opposition figures like MP Abdirahman Abdishakur, who question the government’s sensitivity and commitment to serving its people amidst such burdens.
Government Response and Public Reaction
This incident is not an isolated one but a reflection of a broader pattern of governance that seemingly prioritizes short-term financial gains over the long-term welfare of its citizens. The lack of transparency in introducing the fee, combined with the absence of a coherent rationale, underscores a concerning trend toward opaque decision-making processes. This opacity serves as fertile ground for corruption, allowing for the implementation of policies that may benefit a select few at the expense of the broader population.
The connection between the security fee and allegations of government officials’ ties to businesses, such as the mandatory use of Sahal for airport transfers, exemplifies how officials manipulate official policies for personal gain. This practice not only undermines the principles of fair governance but also erodes public trust in governmental institutions. When citizens perceive that their leaders are more invested in personal enrichment than in public service, the social contract is fundamentally breached.
The justification for transferring security costs to travelers, especially in a country battling with the scars of long-term conflict and economic instability, is tenuous at best. It begs the question of why, at this juncture, the state is offloading the burden of security—a fundamental state responsibility—onto citizens. This move is particularly egregious considering the already exorbitant cost of domestic travel in Somalia.
Addressing Corruption and Rebuilding Trust
The critical need for a coherent strategy to combat corruption and rebuild public trust in governmental institutions cannot be overstated. A transparent, participatory approach to policy-making, one that genuinely considers the impact on and input from the populace, is essential. Policies, especially those imposing financial burdens on citizens, must be clearly justified, with their development and implementation processes open to scrutiny.
Moreover, the government must take decisive steps to dismantle the structures that allow corruption to thrive. This includes establishing robust mechanisms for accountability, enhancing the transparency of government transactions, and fostering a culture of integrity within public institutions. Only through such concerted efforts can Somalia hope to address the underlying issues of corruption that the incident at Mogadishu airport so starkly highlighted.
The saga of the security screening fee at the Mogadishu airport is a microcosm of the challenges facing Somalia’s governance and its struggle with corruption. It serves as a stark reminder of the imperative for transparent, accountable governance practices that prioritize the welfare of the populace over the interests of a privileged few. As Somalia continues on its path to recovery and development, the lessons learned from this incident must inform a renewed commitment to fighting corruption, fostering public trust, and building a fairer, more equitable society.