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Kenyan pilots Hussein Mohamed Anshuur and Mohamed Adan said they were asked to secretly fly the body of former Somali ruler Siad Barre home for burial after his death in exile.
The request came from a Nigerian diplomat who asked the pair to transport the body from Lagos to Garbaharey in southern Somalia.
We knew immediately this wasn't a normal charter.
Hussein Mohamed Anshuur said.
The mission was considered politically sensitive due to Barre’s overthrow in 1991 and strained regional relations.
The pilots said they feared serious repercussions if Kenyan authorities discovered the plan.
If the Kenyan authorities found out, it could have caused serious problems.
Hussein Mohamed Anshuur said.
Barre’s son said secrecy was required to allow a swift burial in line with Islamic tradition.
The secrecy wasn't about hiding anything illegal. Time was against us.
Ayaanle Mohamed Siad Barre said.
The pilots requested guarantees from the Nigerian government before agreeing to carry out the flight.
Nigeria agreed to take responsibility if political issues arose and placed two embassy officials on board.