(09-04-23) HARGEISA – Somaliland announced on Sunday that it will cut cabinet ministers’ salaries to help finance the ongoing war in Lascanood, as the country grapples with a financial crisis brought about by the conflict.
Minister of Agriculture Abdiqadir Iman Warsame confirmed that cabinet members have voluntarily donated their salaries to support the war efforts in the city of Lascanood. “The biggest thing is that the budget is being cut, even the salaries of the ministers are being cut, and we are donating to participate in the war,” said Minister Iman, who highlighted the lack of funds as a primary concern for the government.
In addition to salary cuts, the Minister revealed that many development projects in Somaliland have been halted due to financial strain. The country’s economic woes have been further exacerbated by the damage to key financial resources, such as Hargeisa Airport and the Berbera port, which has been adversely affected by the conflict, and the Wajale market, which has also suffered significant losses. The ongoing war in Lascanood has caused a significant reduction in important sources of income, placing additional financial pressure on Somaliland.
The decision to cut ministers’ salaries demonstrates the severity of the situation in Somaliland and highlights the sacrifices being made by the country’s leadership to support the war efforts in Lascanood. The international community has been urged to provide financial assistance to help alleviate the economic burden faced by Somaliland as it continues to fight in the conflict-ridden region.
