Hiiraan Online
Sunday, March 06, 2016
MOGADISHU (HOL) – Fighting back allegations that Somali government mishandled money meant for Somali army by donors, Somalia’s president assured that his army does receive their basic salaries, but he acknowledged challenges facing his government in paying its soldiers in a good time.
A report by a U.N. monitoring group last year suggested that corruption was one reason for non-payment of wages, accusing senior Somali military commanders of inflating troop numbers and embezzling funds bound for salaries.
“Despite the fact that we are a poor government with limited resources, complaints about lack of the army’s welfare were being raised on regular basis, therefore, i assure you that each soldier does receive his basic salary.” Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somali president said at a press conference in Mogadishu Sunday.
The urgent need for rebuilding the Somali army after decades of civil urgent has been a major challenge due to lack of financial capability by the government which largely relies on support from donors to maintain its existence.
Working under tough conditions including lack of regular wages and equipment for years,Somali army is locked in a deadly war with one of the most dangerous global jihadist groups: Al-Shabab which despite being ousted from its key strongholds continues to challenge government’s efforts to extend its rule across the country.
The non-payment of salaries, stretching up to six months for some troops, has strained relations between the government and foreign donors, such as the United States and European nations, who have invested billions of dollars to stabilize Somalia and stem the spread of radical Islam from the Horn of Africa, according to Reuters.
However, Mr. Mohamud had instructed the defence minister and army commanders to untangle the doubt surrounding the issue of the army’s welfare in a bid to end the confusion.
Hundreds of millions dollars has been spent arming and training the Somali army largely by the European Union to oust the Al-Qaeda linked Al Shabab fighters which continues guerrilla attacks across large parts of the country.
Once mighty, Somalia’s army destroyed by decades old conflict is rebuilding on the backdrop of the rising power of the militant group which despite facing a multi-pronged offensive continues to carry out attacks across the country.