Somalia streamlines payment system for National Army

Somali government has said that it started plans to implement an improved payroll system to ensure that Somali National Army (SNA) troops are paid in a consistent and timely manner to build up the morale of the soldiers in the front line.

The Minister of Finance, Mohamed Adan Ibrahim said the government will implement a reformed payroll process which will include robust fiduciary controls and pilot a new automated and functional payroll process for the Somali national army.

“This new system will reduce loopholes for corruption and enable government funds to be efficiently used and accounted for.” said Ibrahim.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the Somali troops on the frontlines work tirelessly to fight Al-Shabaab and provide security and stability for the country.

“ Our government has a duty of care to pay our troops, and to do so in a regular, accountable and transparent manner,” the President said.

Mohamud underlined that a functioning and effective payroll system is central to the building of a national security sector architecture.

“I am pleased to see the coming together of key government ministries and the army to make this happen.” he praised.

Somali Minister of Defense, Abdulkadir Sh. Ali Diini said this will enable the Somali National Army to stabilize the country and allow for focus and progress on the important issues.

“We are all working together to improve our systems to ensure that our military is to be paid the wages they are entitled to, on time, no matter where they are located.” said Diini.

Somali government has stepped up operations to secure the capital city ahead of Somalia’s parliamentary and presidential elections.

Despite lack of salary and other military support, Somali troops have been fighting  with Al-Shabaab fighters for nearly decade.