He reiterates plans to reform and restructure the sector
By M. A. Egge
The President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has once again pledged that he would see to it that his political campaign promises would have to be realized and achieved, especially as concerns the increasing of the salaries of the servicemen.
The Head of State who is also the Commander-in-Chief noted that his plans to have the armed forces and associated security arms sector would have to be bolstered and the personnel renumeration appraised.
He said that the 250% increment on the salaries of the security arms that he had pledged would be gradually implemented despite that tight economy the nation faces.
Of note is the fact that the president revealed that within the plans in the pipeline is the establishment of the country’s air-force division of the armed forces.
The President expressed the sentiments as he addressed the members of the armed forces at the military headquarters on Saturday.
First of all, the President greeted the unit of the National Army, where he was received by the Commander of the National Army, Major General Nuh Ismail Tani and the various top officers.
The President toured and inspected the various units which the command consists of, and inaugurated several sectors building structures that have been put up.
The Commander of the National Army, Major General Nuh Ismail Tani welcomed the President while appreciating the visit.
The President speech that was quite substantial and highly appealed to the members of the forces across the cadres.
He reiterated his intent on reforming and restructuring the sector to make it a formidable force.
He said, “I decided to come among you today to observe your situation, listen to the information and reports you want to share with me, and to observe and reflect on where I should start the reformation and reconstruction of the National Army”.
He pointed out every country earnestly strive to make its forces a formidable one.
He pledged that he would fulfil his promise made on increasing the salary of the army and reforming it.
“Although the economy of Somaliland is strained owing to the events and happenings in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 due to reasons we all know, including the fact that the country has been involved in wars, elections and damaged economic infrastructure, the losses following the fires of Waheen and Wajaale, I will implement the increase in the salary of the army that I promised which was two hundred and fifty percent during my term, and I will issue Executive Orders to the effect”, he said.
President Abdirahman Irro said that the political program of WADDANI party in the presidential election on defence and nationalism was streamlining the armed forces, bolstering and modernizing their armaments and ample remunerations.
He said that the land, sea and air defences should be sound and appropriate.
He pointed out that the first goal is to reform and modernize the army gradually hence steps to be taken include;
- Making a plan to modernize the national army.
- Making the strategy of the national army.
- Establishing administrative rules and regulations to strengthen the national army.
- Conducting military census.
- Nationalization of civil forces.
- Formation of reserve forces.
- Formation of the air force.