By Abdullahi Abdi

Military helicopters meant to help Somalia’s army fight Al-Shabaab are now at the center of a serious controversy. Officials say these helicopters belong to the Somali Air Force, but there is growing evidence that they might be run as private business assets to make money. This raises concerns about how Somalia manages its security and the trust of international donors.

The government has often said that the helicopters were bought and officially belong to the Air Force. They have called the aircraft important for moving troops, gathering intelligence, and fighting terrorists.

But recent photos and reports raise doubts. One popular photo shows a helicopter with a registration number usually given to civilian planes, not military ones. In addition, some pilots wear civilian uniforms suggesting private companies could be running the flights. 

Sources close to the situation say that several of the helicopters—such as Bell 412s donated by Italy and others received between 2023 and 2024—were intended to boost Somalia’s ability to respond swiftly to Al-Shabaab threats.

However, insiders claim the helicopters are operated by Gem-Tech, a private company associated with a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The insiders say the choppers were registered with civilian authorities and retained private plane call signs, despite being painted to resemble Somali Air Force aircraft. This appears to be done to maintain appearances.

Critics say this allows the helicopters to be rented out as private charters to military and government groups, charging between $5,000 and $8,000 per flight. If true, it means military aid meant for national defense is being turned into private profit.

This has worried diplomats and Somali civil groups. Countries like the EU, Italy, and the US have spent millions helping build Somalia’s military aviation and expect these helicopters to be strictly controlled by the military.

Using the helicopters as private assets, hiring civilian crews, and charging high fees raises serious questions about transparency. It suggests that aid meant to fight terrorism might be benefiting politically connected individuals instead.

The issue also highlights wider problems with governance in Somalia. The African Union’s mission in Somalia faces pressure as donors grow tired and want to see better accountability and results. Support from the US and EU depends on Somalia showing real progress against corruption and terrorism.

If the claims about leasing helicopters are proven, Somalia’s international reputation could suffer. Donors may cut aid, weakening Somalia’s security and helping extremists. The government has not explained who owns the helicopters, though President Mohamud calls corruption claims political.

To restore confidence, the Somali government needs to be transparent on how it purchased, registered, and utilizes such helicopters. Transactions involving private companies should be made public. Leasing funds earned must be audited. Transparency is the only means to guarantee Somali nationals and donors that military equipment is not being misused.

Somalia is at a crossroads. It faces ever-present danger from terrorism and depends heavily on foreign support to maintain security. Allegations that military helicopters are being privatized and rented out for high fees put both public money and national security at risk. 

What is at stake is more than just a scandal — it is the trust in Somalia’s government, its relationship with the international community, and the safety of its people.