Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – The Airline Operators Association of Somalia (AOA) has categorically denied authorship of a letter circulating on social media that claims Somali airline companies were asked to fund a government delegation’s flight to Laascaanood.
The disputed letter, dated July 12, 2025, and marked “Ref: AOA/068/07/2025,” alleged that the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Transport, and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority had jointly directed 11 Somali airlines — including Jubba Airways, Daallo Airlines, and Star Sky Aviation — to each contribute $1,091 toward a $12,000 charter for an EMB-120 aircraft.
Speaking exclusively to Dawan Africa, AOA Chairman Hassan Hashi Mohamed confirmed the letter is false and politically motivated. He provided a copy of an official clarification letter issued on July 26, sent by the association to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, explicitly disavowing any connection to the forged document.
“This forged letter was created by a political group aiming to undermine both the government and our association,” said AOA Chairman Hassan Hashi Mohamed.“There is no request for contribution from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry, or the Civil Aviation Authority.”
The association reaffirmed its independent mandate and commitment to collaborating with regulatory authorities. It warned that the spread of disinformation threatens the integrity of Somalia’s growing aviation industry and risks public confusion.
AOA called on the Ministry of Transport to initiate a formal investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for what it labeled a coordinated smear campaign.
The statement concluded by urging the public to ignore the alleged fundraising appeal and clarified that no official request had been made by any government institution for contributions related to flights to Laascaanood.
