In response to economic challenges and the ongoing conflict in Lasanood, Somaliland’s cabinet ministers have agreed to take pay cuts, according to a press conference held on Sunday.
Agriculture Minister Abdiqadir Iman Warsame announced that the ministers have voluntarily donated their salaries to support the war effort, which has been facing financial shortages.
Iman explained that the budget has been severely affected, necessitating cuts to government officials’ salaries, including those of cabinet ministers. Somaliland is grappling with several economic challenges, such as a decline in market activities and commercial shipping traffic at the Berbera port, issues at the Wajale market, and a recent devastating fire that tore through the Waaheen bazaar in Hargeisa.
The economic situation in Somaliland has been further strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the ongoing war in Lasanood has made matters worse, leading to the loss of vital income sources. The government has taken the step of reducing cabinet salaries to support the war efforts, highlighting the difficulties in addressing the urgent needs of the conflict-ridden region amid financial constraints.
The situation in Lasanood remains unstable, as the month-long conflict between Somaliland troops and the SSC-Khatumo continues to take a toll on Somaliland’s economy.
