Somalia: Former intelligence chief criticizes cuts to military benefits

Former Somali intelligence chief Fahad Haji Yasin Dahir has condemned reported cuts to financial assistance for retired soldiers, disabled troops, and the families of service members killed fighting al-Shabab.

Reports indicate that families raising children of fallen soldiers have seen a 50% reduction in monthly allowances, with payments dropping from $200 to $100 per child. Affected families have stated they received no official explanation for the decrease.

Dahir criticized the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, calling for transparency regarding the legal basis and authority behind these decisions. He noted that Decree No. 198, concerning the Agency for the Care of Martyrs’ Orphans, the Disabled and Retirees of the Somali National Army, must be implemented with accountability to ensure the rights of vulnerable military segments are protected.