HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) Defense minister and army chief of the Republic of Somaliland say a 50% salary increase for National Army personnel will take effect in January 2027 following concerns over military pay and welfare.
Somaliland’s Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali and the commander of the Somaliland National Army, Brig. Gen. Nima’an Yusuf Gahnug, have announced that a planned salary increase for members of the armed forces will be implemented beginning in January 2027.
The announcement was made during a visit to frontline military positions in Oog, where the defense minister and army chief held meetings with senior military officers and listened to concerns and needs raised by personnel serving in the area.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense and the Somaliland National Army, the meetings were intended to strengthen communication between military leadership and frontline troops, assess the conditions facing soldiers and identify lasting solutions to issues raised by personnel.
The officials held discussions with senior officers about the circumstances of soldiers and the broader needs of the armed forces. They also emphasized that the welfare of military personnel remains an important part of Somaliland’s plans to strengthen and develop its national army.
Somaliland Army Salary Increase to Take Effect in 2027
The Defense Ministry and military leadership told soldiers that the government’s long-term military development program includes a 50% salary increase, which is scheduled to officially take effect in January 2027.
The increase is expected to form part of a broader government effort to improve the welfare and working conditions of members of the Somaliland National Army while also strengthening the military’s capabilities and equipment.
The announcement comes after concerns have emerged among sections of Somaliland’s armed forces over the implementation of the government’s previously announced salary policy.
The government had previously committed to increasing the salaries of members of the armed forces by 50% annually during President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro’s five-year term. The salary increase was implemented during the previous year, but the additional payments were reportedly not maintained during the past six months.
The latest announcement indicates that the salary increase will resume as part of the government’s military development and personnel welfare plans, beginning in January 2027.
Officials Praise Frontline Soldiers
During the meetings in Oog, the Defense Minister and army commander praised soldiers for their role in protecting Somaliland’s security and territorial integrity.
They described the military’s responsibilities as essential to maintaining public security, protecting the country’s borders and safeguarding Somaliland’s national interests.
The officials also stressed the importance of discipline and unity within the armed forces, particularly as the government works to address concerns raised by soldiers.
At the conclusion of the meetings, the military leadership instructed personnel to maintain military discipline, unity and order.
They further advised soldiers to raise concerns and grievances through established military procedures rather than allowing disputes to undermine discipline or the chain of command.
Salary Concerns and Military Welfare
The announcement follows complaints from some members of Somaliland’s armed forces regarding salary payments and the implementation of the government’s earlier commitment to increase military salaries.
The issue has become part of a wider discussion about the welfare of soldiers serving in frontline positions, where military personnel face demanding conditions while carrying out security and border-defense responsibilities.
The government’s decision to reaffirm the salary increase could therefore be viewed as an effort to address concerns among military personnel while reinforcing confidence between the army’s leadership and soldiers.
The Defense Ministry and the army command have also linked the salary policy to a broader plan to improve the living conditions, equipment and overall capabilities of the Somaliland National Army.
Focus on Communication Between Leadership and Soldiers
The meeting in Oog also highlighted the government’s effort to maintain direct communication with troops serving on the front lines.
By meeting military personnel and listening to their concerns, the Defense Ministry and army leadership said they aim to better understand the challenges facing soldiers and develop practical solutions.
The officials emphasized that addressing personnel welfare is an important component of strengthening the armed forces and maintaining effective cooperation between commanders and troops.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for discipline, unity and adherence to military procedures, alongside the government’s commitment to addressing legitimate concerns raised by soldiers.
Background
The salary announcement follows President Irro’s earlier campaign commitment to improve the pay and welfare of Somaliland’s security forces. The government previously implemented a 50% salary increase for military personnel, but concerns were subsequently raised over the continuity of the increase during the past six months.
The Defense Ministry and army command have now said the salary increase will be implemented again beginning in January 2027.
The move is expected to remain part of the government’s broader plans for military reform, personnel welfare and the strengthening of Somaliland’s defense capabilities.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
