A staggering financial claim of approximately $2.5 million for ground cleaning services at Aden Airport has ignited widespread public and media outrage, fueling accusations of corruption within the Yemeni Ministry of Transport. In response to the exorbitant demand by a contracted company, the internationally recognized Yemeni government's Minister of Transport, Mohsen Haidra, issued Ministerial Decision No. 18 of 2026. This decree established an investigative committee, headed by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Nasser Ahmed Shareef, and comprising eight other officials, including the Director General of Aden International Airport. The committee's mandate is to scrutinize the company's financial claim. According to the decision, the committee will review all relevant procedures and contracts pertaining to the matter. Its primary objective is to ascertain the legitimacy of the financial demand, which has generated significant debate across social media platforms and local news outlets. Fathi bin Lazraq, head of the Aden Al Ghad media institution, cited the Deputy Minister as stating that the directive for the work was issued under the previous minister via "direct order," with the controversial sum already allocated. Bin Lazraq further reported that the Deputy Minister confirmed the committee's commencement of its duties immediately after the decision was issued. The committee is expected to resume its work following the Eid al-Adha holiday, with the aim of presenting the investigation's findings, identifying implicated parties, and implementing appropriate measures against them. Shareef reportedly described the requested amount as "unimaginable" and asserted that the ministry "will not accept its payment under any circumstance or justification." The case has elicited strong reactions from Yemeni activists and journalists, who have characterized the incident as one of the "most egregious forms of corruption" within government institutions. They are demanding accountability for any financial or administrative transgressions. These developments occur amidst mounting pressure on the Yemeni government due to deteriorating economic and service conditions, and escalating criticism concerning corruption and the management of public resources in areas under its control. |
