The Federal Government of Somalia has, for the first time ever, confirmed the information of aircraft departing from Bosaso Airport have been delivering large shipments to the countries of Chad, Niger, and western Sudan.
Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, speaking before the Upper House of Parliament, acknowledged the existence of these flights. He stated that while the nature of the cargo requires further verification, the flights themselves are indeed taking place.
“Yes, they exist — we acknowledge that before the Somali people and before the honorable senators. This is not fake news, nor is it an exaggeration. Aircraft have indeed been flying out of Bosaso to Chad, Niger, and western Sudan, carrying certain shipments. What exactly they transport or deliver still needs to be confirmed. There are also reports claiming that Colombian mercenaries are involved, but we do not have sufficient verifiable evidence of that,” Minister Fiqi told the Upper House.
The Minister further noted that the Federal Government does not have full control over all airports in the country. He urged Members of Parliament representing Puntland to verify what these flights are carrying and to reject any use of their territory for launching attacks against brotherly Sudan.
This marks the first time the Federal Government has publicly addressed the widely circulating reports suggesting that Bosaso has become a transit point for flights bound for Sudan — allegedly used by the United Arab Emirates to channel troops and supplies to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group fighting Sudan’s government.
The Puntland administration, which has faced significant accusations of involvement in the Sudan conflict, is now expected to respond to the Defense Minister’s confirmation that aircraft departing from Bosaso are linked to the war in Sudan.