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Fulfilling a key campaign pledge, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” has issued Presidential Decree No. 02/012025, mandating a 50% annual salary increase for Somaliland’s security forces contingent upon successful implementation of IRIS Biometric Registration. The reform package, aimed at modernizing the security sector, requires all personnel to complete biometric enrollment by February 2025.
The decree addresses longstanding concerns about payroll fraud and “ghost personnel” within Somaliland’s armed forces, custodial corps, and police. By linking compensation directly to verified identities, the administration aims to ensure public funds reach only legitimate security personnel. This technological approach mirrors successful implementations in countries like India, Nigeria, and Ghana, where biometric systems have proven effective in reducing payroll irregularities.
However, the administration’s retention of existing security leadership has raised questions about its commitment to comprehensive reform. Major General Nuh Ismail Tani continues as Chief of Staff of the Somaliland Armed Forces, despite criticism over the military’s declining operational capacity during his decade-long tenure. Similarly, Police Commissioner Brigadier General Mohamed Adan Saqadhi (Dabagale) remains in his position, notwithstanding past allegations of civil rights abuses—accusations President Abdirahman “Cirro” himself raised while in opposition.
The reform’s ambitious 30-day implementation timeline faces significant challenges, particularly in registering personnel in remote and conflict-affected areas. Resistance from entrenched interests benefiting from current payroll practices may further complicate the process. Critics point to deteriorating equipment, logistical inefficiencies, and low troop morale as evidence of systemic neglect under the current leadership’s watch.
The phased salary increase over President Abdirahman “Cirro”’s first term marks a significant shift in the management of Somaliland’s security forces. However, without addressing fundamental leadership concerns, these financial incentives and technological reforms risk being undermined by the same institutional weaknesses they aim to correct.
The initiative represents a critical test of President Abdirahman “Cirro”’s governance agenda. While the salary increases acknowledge the security forces’ vital role, the emphasis on biometric registration signals a broader push for institutional modernization. Success will depend on the administration’s ability to overcome logistical hurdles and navigate resistance from within the security establishment.
Somaliland has conducted a successful pilot program in its most recent election that was held in November 2024 but this will be the first time a similar system is being used to ensure integrity and eliminate ghost personnel from the security services.
The retention of controversial leadership figures, however, casts doubt on whether these reforms can achieve their intended impact without addressing deeper institutional challenges. As implementation begins, observers will closely monitor whether the administration can balance its promises of reform with the practical challenges of governance in Somaliland’s complex security landscape.
The success of this initiative will not only determine the effectiveness of the security sector reforms but also shape public perception of President Abdirahman “Cirro”’s broader governance capabilities. As Somaliland strives for increased transparency and accountability, the coming months will reveal whether these reforms represent genuine change or merely surface-level adjustments to long-standing institutional problems.
