Chief of Somali National Army denies reports of resignation

After yesterday’s protest by members of the Somali National Army in Mogadishu over unpaid salaries, news reports circulated that the chief of Somalia’s National Army Major General Mohamed Adan Ahmed has stepped down from his post.

Responding to these reports, Major General Ahmed termed the reports as absurd.

“The rumors regarding my resignation are false. I’ll hold those people who have spread the rumors accountable,” said the military boss.

After the soldiers went on strike, some senior military officials who spoke to local media houses in Mogadishu accused General Ahmed of diverting salaries of Mogadishu-based soldiers to Puntland to quell tension caused by angry Puntland forces who have been also complaining about unpaid salaries.

Ahmed has not however commented on this allegation. Sunday’s protest by the soldiers was said to be the biggest staged by disgruntled members of the security forces in many years.

Reports say it was meant to remind President Farmajo of his promise during his campaign trail to pay the army.