In a dramatic move that signals a tougher stance on foreign contractors, Somalia’s federal government has detained the management team of Favori LLC, the Turkish company responsible for running Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, according to senior security sources.
The arrests, which took place in the capital, come amid persistent allegations regarding the firm’s workplace conduct. Employees and airport service users had lodged repeated complaints against the company’s leadership, prompting government oversight bodies to launch a preliminary investigation.
While a detailed official statement has not yet been released, sources within the security apparatus confirmed that the detentions are directly linked to an inquiry into the management’s operating methods and the treatment of local staff.
“There have been ongoing grievances concerning workplace pressure and administrative practices,” a government source familiar with the matter told Dalsan TV. “The government is taking these concerns seriously and has moved to ensure a thorough probe is conducted.”
Favori LLC is a key player in Somalia’s aviation sector, overseeing ground handling and other critical services at the country’s busiest international gateway. The arrests have therefore raised questions among airline operators and passengers about potential disruptions, though officials have assured the public that airport operations remain stable.
The development marks a significant escalation in the government’s scrutiny of the Turkish contractor. Previous investigations have focused on both the treatment of Somali workers and broader concerns over contractual compliance. The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) has long campaigned against what it describes as systemic labor rights violations at the facility, including allegations of wage disparities and unsafe working conditions. In previous years, auditors also accused the company of failing to submit mandatory financial reports, raising questions about revenue transparency.
Government officials are expected to provide a full briefing in the coming days to clarify the legal basis for the arrests and outline the next steps in the investigation.
As of press time, Favori LLC had not issued an official response. A representative for the company could not be reached for immediate comment. Dalsan TV will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.