By Zamzam Daqare - Reporter
Somalia, 3 July 2026 – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Thursday defended salary payments to federal staff in Puntland amid deepening tensions with Puntland over military control.
Speaking at an event in Mogadishu honouring organizers and workers involved in events marking Somalia’s independence celebrations, Hamza said personnel registered under federal institutions should receive salaries and full rights regardless of political disputes.
“Whether they are one thousand, ten thousand or more, we will register them and ensure they receive their rights,” Hamza said.
He described it as unjust to deny payments or benefits to personnel who had served under federal institutions, including security personnel and other government employees.
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The prime minister said withholding their entitlements would amount to unfair treatment and deepen long-standing grievances.
His remarks come as tensions between Mogadishu and Puntland remain high over disputes involving constitutional reforms, elections, power-sharing and security arrangements.
Puntland has repeatedly rejected federal military recruitment and operations in its territory, saying it is not currently part of the Somali National Army until broader political disputes with the federal government are resolved.
Relations between the federal government and Puntland have deteriorated sharply in recent months, with cooperation between the two sides largely suspended.