Boeing 777: Too good, too stupid?

Gné? Oh yes, following Jeune Afrique’s very comprehensive article, and knowing a little about how things work in Madagougou, I’m finally starting to see a little more clearly in this Boeing 777 affair.

Read: 5 questions to understand “Irangate,” the affair of the Malagasy Boeings transported to Iran

In fact, the central figure and the key to this whole affair is indeed Mr. Khushwinder Singh.

The archetype of the adventurer with sharp canines, who saw Madagougou as a formidable playground for his shady little deals.

And he knew exactly how to proceed: first, arrange to maneuver his way around in high places. I know this type of person well: certainly malama vava (the easy word), affable, friendly with everyone, and apt to be part of all the little Tananarivo get-togethers.

The time (since 2018) to build up a nice little address book, set up 2-3 fake companies, and probably carried out a few front transactions, and hey presto, he’s shifted gears.

In this case? In this case, his little swindle with the Iranians. So, registration of a fake company: Katsaka, Tsaramaso, Voanjoby, Votab… AND an airline, with a capital of… €400 🤣

The second step, under the cover of this company, is to imply that he has acquired five Boeing 777s in China, which therefore require a 5R registration.

And this is where the patiently compiled address book comes into play, to speed up the process of obtaining the famous registrations and transponder codes.

So, on the Madagougou side, who helped grease the wheels? Two entities are in the crosshairs: the Ministry of Transport and the ACM.

And above all, the question that interests everyone: was there an exchange of small briefcases to “streamline” the paperwork or not? And besides, what are Bianco and Samifin waiting for to get back on the road prematurely?

I don’t know, these champagne saberings in Dubai, for example? Are they just rumors… or is there really more to it?

So the question that really interests everyone is: “How far has Mr. Singh climbed, how far could he climb?”

Indeed, the future will depend largely on the answer to this question. Consequently, understanding international sanctions… or not.

That being said, the attitude of the Malagasy authorities, at the highest levels, seems very suspect. You say you’re duped, unaware, victims of manipulation, falsification…

…but in that case, why don’t you officially demand an explanation from Iran, by summoning its ambassador?

Even if it’s basically a scam by corrupt private actors, it was the Iranian state that welcomed these planes onto its territory, with the fraudulent use of endemic codes.

So no, I’m sorry, but at this point, this requires explanations from one state to another. Are we afraid of the answers that will be given?

At some point, and we come back to the title of this column: you can’t be friends with everyone. When you’re too good or too stupid, the scoundrels will do the worst possible and imaginable things to you; that’s how it works with rogue states.

So, too bad for your dangerous little liaisons and let’s wait and see what the next developments are in this embarrassing affair. What’s more, it’s on the eve of the opening of your little party with the SADC.