Somaliland has announced a 50% salary increase for its armed forces, fulfilling part of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro’s campaign commitment to improve military pay.

According to a presidential decree issued on Wednesday, the salary hike will be implemented in the 2025 fiscal year. This increase marks the first step in President Irro’s broader plan to raise military salaries by a total of 250% during his first term in office.

“I have decreed that the permanent salaries of the national armed forces will increase by 50% each fiscal year throughout the government’s first term, based on the 2024 fiscal year salaries,” President Irro stated.

The decree also introduced the IRIS Biometric Registration System for all Somaliland armed forces, with the registration process scheduled to commence on February 1, 2025. The process is expected to be completed within 30 days.

The salary increases will only take effect after the biometric registration and a full census of the armed forces are finalized, as outlined in the decree.

President Irro also reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the professionalism and capability of Somaliland’s military. His administration plans to provide advanced training and modern equipment to bolster national security.