A 50% annual salary increase for Somaliland’s forces highlights the government’s commitment to security and defense.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) has signed a presidential decree mandating a 50% annual salary increase for members of the Republic’s armed forces. The order, effective from 2025, underscores the government’s recognition of the critical role national forces play in maintaining security, sovereignty, and the rule of law.
The decree, formally titled Presidential Decree No. 02/012025, outlines the following:
A 50% increase in the regular salaries of Somaliland’s national forces will be implemented annually during the first term of the current administration. This adjustment is based on the 2024 fiscal year’s salary levels.
Biometric Registration: All members of the national forces must complete IRIS Biometric Registration within 30 days, beginning February 1, 2025.
Implementation Conditions: The salary increase will take effect only after the registration and census of national forces are completed.
Justifications for the Decree
The President highlighted several reasons for the decision, including:
The indispensable role of national forces in safeguarding Somaliland’s independence and ensuring internal security.
The need to provide financial stability to service members as a reflection of their sacrifices and contributions.
A commitment to improving accountability and transparency through biometric registration.
The decree fulfills a campaign promise by President Irro and reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Somaliland’s defense and security institutions. The planned salary increases are expected to enhance morale and incentivize professionalism within the armed forces.
The introduction of IRIS Biometric Registration marks a critical step toward ensuring that the salary increase is equitably distributed. This system will provide accurate personnel data, reduce fraudulent claims, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively.
This initiative signals Somaliland’s prioritization of national security and its commitment to investing in the forces that uphold its sovereignty. By combining financial incentives with modern accountability measures, the government aims to reinforce stability and maintain public trust in its defense institutions.
As the registration process begins in February, successful implementation will be key to achieving the goals set out in the decree, further solidifying Somaliland’s efforts to build a resilient and well-supported national defense force.
