MPs Challenge Defence Minister Fiqi Over Soldiers’ Pay and Welfare

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali lawmakers have raised concerns over deductions from soldiers’ salaries and the welfare of disabled military personnel and children of fallen troops, calling for greater protection of those serving in the country’s armed forces.

The concerns were raised during a parliamentary oversight meeting on Sunday, where Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi faced questions from the Defence Committee of the House of the People over military pay, welfare entitlements and challenges facing the Somali National Army.

Lawmakers said reductions in salaries and benefits for military personnel, particularly those wounded in service and families who have lost relatives in the armed forces, were unacceptable without proper consideration of their circumstances and legal entitlements.

The committee stressed that soldiers who risk their lives defending the country should not face financial hardship because of decisions affecting their salaries and benefits.

The discussions come as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen and modernise its armed forces while confronting the Al-Shabaab insurgency and assuming greater responsibility for national security.

Military welfare and reliable salary payments remain important issues for the government as it seeks to improve troop morale, strengthen recruitment and retain experienced personnel.

The meeting, chaired by acting committee chairman MP Abdirizak Hassan Dhookir, also examined broader challenges affecting the development and operational capacity of the Somali National Army.

Fiqi attended alongside the Defence Ministry’s permanent secretary, director-general and other senior officials.

The parliamentary statement did not specify the amount deducted from soldiers’ salaries, how many personnel were affected or whether the government had agreed to reverse the reductions.