Members of the Somali Parliament opposed a motion presented in the Parliament session on Saturday, which would have required MPs’ salaries to be deducted by $500 each month.
The Speaker said the money being deducted from MPs was intended to support the Somali National Army in Hiran who are engaged in a fierce battle with Al-Shabaab.
MP Abdirashid Jiley and other allies strongly opposed the motion, pointing out that it sought to fund troops stationed in a specific area.
“I believe that a comprehensive national strategy is needed, and all forces engaged in the hard fight against terrorism are fairly supported,” said MP Abdirashid.
The MP also criticized the government for not providing any support to the Puntland forces fighting ISIS.
The MP, continuing his speech, indicated that the forces in the Southwest need support from the government.