Chapter 59(Rewritten)

Aidid was quite willing to pay for the weapons, and Tang Dao wasted no time in asking Omar to transfer the funds to his Swiss bank account from an overseas bank.

"Happy cooperation," Tang Dao said as he rose from being a humble farmer to a local tycoon in an instant. The business was indeed larger, and the profits were substantial, unlike his previous endeavors in Namibia where he could only earn a modest income selling firearms.

Aidid also shook hands with Tang Dao cordially and jestingly remarked, "Mr. Nicholas, if the prices are even more favorable, I might be inclined to bring even more hope home."

Tang Dao had already withdrawn over 8 million US dollars, nearly exhausting most of his working capital. However, his overseas assets remained unaccounted for, and Aidid was also hesitant to spend more. Tang Dao sensed that Aidid had other plans, and this made it easier for him to negotiate.

When money was scarce, alternative methods could be employed. It didn't necessarily have to be real money; as long as it looked good, it could be used to barter for weapons.

"General, we can conduct business in a different manner," Tang Dao suggested with a smile. He intended to extract some leverage from the buyer.

"Business?" Aidid exchanged a puzzled glance with Omar.

"I've heard that there are four airports in Mogadishu, and I'd like to lease one of them," Tang Dao proposed. Somalia's strategic location had been discussed extensively among his employees, and he couldn't help but acknowledge its potential.

The Gulf of Aden was situated along the trade routes connecting East Asia and Europe. It was the only route that could shorten the voyage through the Suez Canal, and it was also in proximity to the oil-rich Middle East and North Africa. It could provide essential services to passing ships, serve as a gateway for African products to the world, and boast rich coastal fisheries. In many ways, Somalia was ideal for the development of port trade.

However, the shipping conditions in the Red Sea near Somalia were challenging, the weather conditions unfavorable, and the climate in the northern part of Somalia, near the Gulf of Aden, was perpetually arid. Furthermore, navigation through the Suez Canal was constrained.

Economically, Somalia was underdeveloped, had inadequate infrastructure, and struggled to provide high-quality services to passing ships due to its limited central government authority. Transportation was cumbersome, and connections to Africa's hinterlands were impeded by the East African plateau. Consequently, it couldn't take full advantage of its ports.

Politically, corruption was rampant, the central government held limited power, and tribal conflicts persisted. Many individuals were compelled to resort to piracy for their livelihoods, resulting in poor living conditions and exacerbating the country's economic stagnation. This marginalization in the age of economic globalization left Somalia further behind, as insufficient investment in education hindered economic development through knowledge channels.

But wasn't this chaos what Tang Dao relished? Moreover, the IL-76 could traverse the African continent and facilitate substantial cargo delivery, broadening the company's operations. Establishing a presence in this location could also serve as a base for conducting PMC employee training.

It was certainly more advantageous than dealing with the troublemakers in North America or Europe.

"Lease an airport?" Aidid raised an eyebrow and initially shook his head. Tang Dao breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Aidid was hesitant.

"Don't worry, I don't want the international airport; I'm interested in the 50-kilometer airport," Tang Dao clarified.

The international airport was located in the old city and had been a major battlefield during the civil war. By 1992, it had suffered significant damage from American bombings. In comparison, Saray Airport, situated 18 kilometers north of the capital, lacked any notable attributes.

There were four airports in Mogadishu. In addition to the international airport, the other three were military airports: Essaray Airport 18 kilometers north of the capital, the "50 kilometers airport" to the southwest, and an airport 105 kilometers northwest. The latter two airports served as transit points for Daru Airlines based in Djibouti and African Express Airlines based in Nairobi.

Tang Dao wanted the latter. As for Nadalu Airlines, they could find another transfer hub—Tang Dao wasn't interested in cooperating with them.

Aidid hesitated for a moment and then agreed, "Not Mogadishu International Airport."

Tang Dao smiled, "Don't worry, I have no interest in that one. I want the 50-kilometer airport."

Aidid, still not fully comprehending, repeated, "The 50-kilometer airport?"

Tang Dao nodded and explained, "Yes, it's the airport located 50 kilometers from here."

This airport was strategically located and had a standard runway nearly 3,000 meters in length—perfect for the takeoff of the IL-76. Tang Dao intended to lease it and invest in its expansion. As for the surrounding land, he planned to utilize it as a training base.

"A 50-kilometer airport?" Aidid muttered, casting a perplexed glance. He swallowed the rest of his words, whispered something to Omar behind him, and then turned to Tang Dao, saying, "Yes, but about the price..."

Tang Dao was quick to respond, "Three hundred thousand dollars, and it also includes the right to use 100 square kilometers of land near the airport for a 50-year lease."

This price was already quite reasonable. After all, what was there at Essaray Airport? Virtually nothing—there wasn't even a perimeter wall, and even ox carts could enter freely. Tang Dao thought it was a mess, a complete disaster. There was no way that place could be called an airport. It might as well be called a restroom.

The most valuable aspect of it was the standard runway close to 3,000 meters in length, which was essential for the IL-76's operations.

Aidid, however, seemed unwilling to part with even that sum. He pointed to the NSV machine gun and said, "I don't need the money. Just provide me with three more of these weapons."

Tang Dao couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Was it really alright to deceive people like this?

"No, no, General," he responded earnestly. "I value our friendship a lot. I can offer you two more. May God bless Mogadishu, and may He bless Somalia."

Aidid was delighted to hear this and hugged Tang Dao, exclaiming sincerely, "You are my best friend, sir."

Tang Dao was almost overwhelmed by Aidid's pungent odor, but he managed to maintain his composure. He raised his hand slightly and forced out a sentence, "Yes, we are friends, very good friends."

Satisfied, Aidid departed with his guards and equipment. Soldiers were running around below to clear the way for a cart transporting weapons. Although they didn't voice their dissatisfaction, it was clear from their morale that they weren't too pleased.

Tang Dao offered a brief prayer with clasped hands, saying, "May God bless you, so that I can earn more money from you. Amen." He then shook hands with Robert and the others, a jubilant expression on his face.

"Guys, it's time for us to make our mark in Africa!"

...