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Africa Horn | |||
Puntland Army troops mutiny over pay | |||
2014-12-07 | |||
GAROWE, Somalia -- Army troops on the frontline straddling the restive border between Puntland and Somaliland vacated their positions on account of unpaid salaries on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.
Insiders tell Garowe Online that the soldiers went on strike after Puntland government withheld their salaries over the last four months. "Frankly speaking, besides the missing pays of soldiers the reason behind the mutiny lies in mire in Tukaraq bases and lack of support services including petroleum fuels," one source said. Statewide frustrations, and complaints over economic hardship have been dragging on for months. In March, Puntland Defence Forces in 54th Somali army base staged similar mutiny, setting tires on fire and chanting for their military rights. Revenues being generated from Bossaso seaport and customs increased exponentially during the summer according to sources.
Ali who was elected Puntland's new president in a narrow victory margin of 33-to-32 parliamentary vote on January 8, 2014 pledged that he will focus on the wages of government employees.
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Posted by:Steve White |