Somali Workers Accuse Favori Company of Colonial Practices at Mogadishu Airport

Mogadisho (Sahan Post):-Somali workers employed at Mogadishu Airport have accused the Turkish-owned company managing the airport, Favori Airports of exploiting them through colonial-style practices. The workers have staged protests and voiced their grievances, halting work temporarily and speaking to the media in front of the airport.

Allegations of Exploitation and Rights Violations

A spokesperson for the workers stated that the issues they are facing resemble forms of exploitation, describing their situation as one of oppression, lack of rights, and neglect of their welfare. He further emphasized that employees suffer injuries and other hardships but receive no support or care from the company. “Sometimes, we can’t tell if we’re being exploited or if this is just a bad job situation,” the spokesperson said.

Denial of Pregnancy Rights for Female Employees

The spokesperson also revealed disturbing news regarding female employees at Favori. He stated that female workers had been explicitly warned not to get pregnant, with Human Resources allegedly informing them that they would be unable to have children for five years if they wished to remain employed. “We have evidence of this,” the spokesperson added.

Past Complaints and Failure to Address Issues

This is not the first time that employees at Favori have raised concerns about discrimination and neglect. In early November, similar complaints were submitted, but little action was taken to address them. The company is also accused of attempting to replace Somali workers with foreign laborers from Uganda and Turkey.

Allegations of Discrimination Against Somali Workers

In the same month, the head of the Regional Turkish Airlines Turhan Kenmen management team was also accused of discrimination. A formal complaint was filed against him, accusing him of preventing several Somali workers from traveling on a Turkish Airlines flight, using his power to exclude them from the trip. The National Prosecution Office filed a case against him, but to date, no court proceedings have been initiated, and the case file has not been opened.

Sahan Post reached out to Favori for a comment regarding the workers’ complaints, but as of now, no response has been received.

Sahan News Post

Yasir Mohamed

info@sahanpost.com