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The management of Somalia’s Aden Abdulle International Airport by Turkey’s Favori LLC has sparked widespread controversy. Since securing the contract in 2013 with the involvement of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the company has been accused of corruption, labor exploitation, and abuse of authority. Recent events, including the arrest and release of a senior executive, have further highlighted these allegations.
Favori’s Controversial Beginnings
Favori LLC, originally a small construction material company in Turkey, had no prior experience in airport management. However, in 2013, the company was awarded a 20-year contract to operate Mogadishu’s airport. The deal was reportedly facilitated at a political level, with President Erdogan urging Somali authorities to grant the contract to Favori despite the company’s lack of qualifications.
Just one day after securing the contract, Favori changed its name and business activities to include airport management and fuel trade, seemingly to legitimize its operations. These changes were made retroactively to align with the agreement.
Allegations of Misconduct
The company has faced numerous allegations of unethical practices, including:
Corruption: Favori has been accused of inflating expenses, which reduces the Somali government’s revenue share. The United Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea flagged the deal in a 2016 report as “technically poor” and potentially exploitative.
Labor Exploitation: Somali workers employed by Favori report poverty-level wages, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of basic labor protections. Employees earn between $200 and $300 per month, with many working excessive hours without overtime pay or weekly rest days.
Sexual Harassment: In September 2024, Ertuğrul Karaferiyeli, Favori’s human resources manager, was arrested on charges of sexual harassment and abuse of power. However, he was released in October following a $20,000 settlement with the victim’s family, raising concerns about the suppression of justice.
Financial Disputes and Revenue Transparency
Favori retains 55% of the airport’s net revenue, leaving the Somali government with 45%. Disputes over revenue sharing have arisen due to the company’s lack of transparency. Somalia’s Auditor General accused Favori of failing to submit audited financial reports, making it difficult to verify the government’s rightful share.
In 2022, the Somali government received only $3.1 million from airport operations, significantly below financial projections. The absence of a clear mechanism to evaluate expenses has led to concerns about inflated costs, including a $300,000 monthly depreciation deduction.
Labor Rights Violations
Favori has faced backlash from the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) over its treatment of workers. Reports highlight unsafe working conditions, non-payment of wages, and the absence of medical facilities. Workers injured on duty are often denied immediate medical care or compensation.
Somali employees also face wage discrimination compared to their Kenyan and Turkish counterparts. Favori has been accused of stifling union activity and intimidating workers who attempt to organize.
Political Connections and Impunity
Favori’s close ties to Erdogan’s administration have shielded it from accountability. The Kozuva family, which owns Favori, has longstanding connections to Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Mustafa Kozuva, chairman of the Kozuva Group, and his brother Süleyman have been involved in political activities alongside Erdogan.
This political backing has allowed Favori to operate with minimal oversight. Reports suggest that Somali officials receive kickbacks and other benefits from Favori, undermining efforts to enforce labor and financial regulations.
International Concerns and Future Outlook
The controversial contract has drawn criticism from international observers. The UN report emphasized the need for greater scrutiny of Favori’s practices, citing potential risks to Somalia’s economic and labor rights frameworks.
As Somalia continues to rebuild its infrastructure, ensuring transparency and accountability in foreign contracts will be essential. The Favori case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by developing nations in managing partnerships with politically connected firms.