HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) announced a 50% increase in the regular salaries of the country’s national security forces under a presidential decree issued on January 22, 2025.
The decision fulfilled a campaign promise Irro made to members of Somaliland’s security forces during the presidential election campaign.
The presidential decree, numbered JSL/XM/XERM/249-044/012025, introduced new salary arrangements for the country’s military and other national security institutions, beginning in the 2025 fiscal year.
Presidential Decree Sets Out Salary Increase
According to Presidential Decree No. 02/012025, President Irro based the decision on Articles 90(4), 123 and 124 of Somaliland’s Constitution.
The decree recognizes the role of the national security forces in defending the country, maintaining internal security and protecting citizens.
It also highlights their responsibility to safeguard lives and property, protect basic freedoms and uphold the Constitution and laws of Somaliland.
President Irro said improving the regular salaries of security personnel was an important step toward recognizing their national responsibilities and supporting their welfare.
Salary Increase Based on 2024 Pay Levels
The decree provides for a 50% salary increase for the various national security forces, using their 2024 regular salaries as the reference point.
It also outlines a salary adjustment framework for the government’s first term. The decree refers to further annual increases during the government’s term.
The measure covers Somaliland’s national security institutions, including the armed forces and other security agencies.
The government said the decision was intended to improve the financial conditions of personnel serving in the country’s security institutions.
Biometric Registration Required Before Payments
The presidential decree also introduced a biometric registration process for members of the national security forces.
Under the order, the government was required to complete iris-based biometric registration within 30 days beginning February 1, 2025.
The registration process aims to establish an accurate record of serving personnel across the different security institutions.
The decree further states that the salary increase would take effect after the registration process and verification of the number of personnel in the various forces.
This requirement links the implementation of the new salary arrangements to the completion of the registration exercise.
Irro Fulfills Campaign Promise to Security Forces
The salary increase formed part of President Irro’s commitment to improving the welfare of Somaliland’s national security forces.
During his election campaign, he promised to improve the regular salaries of military and security personnel.
The January 22 decree formally established the government’s decision to implement that commitment.
The move also placed greater emphasis on personnel welfare as part of the government’s wider approach to managing national security institutions.
HornPost Staff Reporter
Hargeisa, Somaliland
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