Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali Member of Parliament Dr. Abdirashid Jilley has voiced strong opposition to the federal government’s proposed $500 monthly salary reduction for lawmakers, calling it “a covert initiative” to redirect public funds to local forces in a specific region.
In a statement shared with media on Saturday, Dr. Jilley criticized the move for lacking transparency and warned that such targeted financial shifts could deepen divisions within the country’s fragile federal system.
“This proposal is not just a salary cut—it’s part of a hidden agenda that prioritizes certain regions over a unified national approach. We need a comprehensive national strategy to fairly support frontline soldiers across all regions of Somalia, not selective funding based on political convenience,” said Dr. Jilley.
His remarks come amid ongoing budgetary adjustments by the federal government, which claims the cuts are necessary to address security priorities and fund stabilization efforts in conflict-prone areas.
However, lawmakers like Dr. Jilley argue that such decisions should be debated openly in parliament and implemented equitably. The Ministry of Finance has yet to issue a formal response to the claims.