Abukar Osman

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Members of Somalia’s House of the People convened today for their 16th session of the sixth parliamentary term, during which a controversial proposal was introduced: to deduct $500 per month for two months from MPs’ salaries to financially support the Somali National Army (SNA) and allied community forces fighting Al-Shabaab.

The proposal, tabled by five lawmakers, aimed to mobilize direct financial contributions from Parliament members to frontline troops. “As a request, we have proposed that for the next two months, $500 from our salaries each month be donated to the selfless fighters of the national army,” said MP Mohamed Haaruun.

However, the initiative faced fierce opposition from several MPs who demanded the creation of an oversight committee to design and manage the donation process, allowing MPs to contribute voluntarily and with full transparency.

“Every day, money is deducted from MPs, but no one knows where it goes. We want to know where it goes. If it’s for the army, no one should oppose it. But my salary is something I decide on, not anyone else, including the Speaker,” said MP Mohamed Hassan Murjaan.

Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe) concluded the session by announcing the formation of a special committee to develop a transparent plan for voluntary contributions.

 “We are setting up a committee, and they will prepare a program for us. The committee will meet with the MPs, and those who agree will contribute,” said the Speaker of the Parliament, Aadan Mohamed Nuur.

The debate comes amid ongoing appeals to bolster support for Macawisley fighters, a volunteer community militia playing a key role in the fight against Al-Shabaab, particularly in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, where intense battles continue. These forces, however, remain largely informal and under-resourced, lacking formal salaries and government recognition.