Published by participants in the  Certificate in Journalism program

of the African Virtual University-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Partnership.

The African Star

Homepage

Pictures (GAMBIA)
Pictures (Somaliland)

"Military are poorly paid in Somaliland"

In every nation across the globe civil servants are the very reason for a country’s growth or for it being dysfunctional. This means that nearly every aspect of civil service is vital to a nation and there is rarely a vast difference in the importance of a particular sector. However, currently in Somaliland there seems to be a lack of appreciation in a particularly important sector, the armed forces.

Both police and army officers, in whose job description is primarily to protect and serve the nation, find themselves in a dire situation. Upon interviewing an army officer, Adan Harir, on the state of their underpayment, he said, “When you compare our pay to those of the ministers and other government officials we are at the very end of the list, in terms of wage”. Despite being employed and earning an income in a country where the unemployment rate is currently extremely high, there is still a very significant difference in pay.  Officer Adan then added, “I believe that we are being taken for granted but because we have no say on the issue, it out of our hands”.

The budget announcement introduced no increase in wage for the armed forces, but, did enlighten people on where the nation’s funds where going. Due to bulging expense accounts, ministerial wage and other menial expenditures, it showed that government had other plans.

This underpayment of officers has placed a heavy burden on the general public. Due to this neglect officers whenever possible hustle citizens for money, often to subside their pay. “ If we were paid a reasonable wage then the hustling would end, there would be no need” said Officer Adan. This clearly places the blame on the government for the gross negligence of their armed forces. “ The government must reconsider our pay and give us a reasonable increase in wage” Officer Adan added.

Due to the economical situation in Somaliland, it isn’t an easy task to convince the government that you are in need of a pay increase, however, it isn’t difficult to be able to see those in charge. “ Whom could I possibly personally put my case to? None of the government members will listen to any of our pleas. It almost seems like an impossible situation, there is no point of even trying!” Officer Adan responded. There is a lack of confidence in the government by officers, regarding the wage issue but to the governments advantage every officer cannot afford to lose his wage. This scenario is sad but true and both sides know this and this is the reason why it remains. When questioned, in his opinion, if the situation will change anytime soon? Officer Adan replied “ I don’t think we will see any change for the immediate future, I lost hope already, no point in wishing now”.