Sunday September 13, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — The leadership of Somalia’s House of the People on Saturday announced the suspension of a monthly $100 deduction from each lawmaker’s salary that had been allocated to an MPs’ welfare fund.
Speaker Abdiqadir Mohamed Nur Jama said the contribution was introduced when Somalia was facing severe security and economic challenges and was intended to support lawmakers and the families of deceased MPs.
“We have reached the most appropriate time to stop collecting that contribution,” the speaker said.
Under the new decision, the monthly $100 deduction will no longer be taken from MPs’ salaries.
“Instead, if a lawmaker dies, a one-time deduction of $200 will be made from each MP to cover funeral and condolence-related expenses,” he added.
The House leadership said the temporary arrangement would eventually be replaced by a formal welfare fund designed to address MPs’ welfare needs.
Speaker Abdiqadir underscored that the monthly deduction had repeatedly come before the House, sparking debate and disagreement over the management of the collected funds.
He said the leadership wanted to end the recurring levy and ensure that every MP receives their full salary without the previous $100 deduction.
The leadership also announced plans to establish a formal healthcare system for MPs to address their medical needs while they are in office.
