Former Puntland finance minister Hassan Shire Abgaal has spoken in support of the Federal Government of Somalia’s decision to place a number of troops stationed in parts of Puntland on the federal payroll, saying the move was prompted by Puntland’s earlier suspension of their salaries.

Abgaal said Puntland cut payments to the forces, and argued that continued non-payment risked weakening cohesion among armed units and could have led to broader security consequences. He said he had advised Puntland officials against stopping the salaries, warning that leaving well-armed forces without income could result in neglect, fragmentation, or desertion, but that his warnings were not acted upon.

He identified the affected units as members of the Puntland Security Force (PSF) and the Danab forces, stating that their salaries had been halted despite their role in maintaining security. Abgaal added that the troops receive their pay on the 25th of each month and maintained that the forces have been a net contributor to stability rather than a threat.

Abgaal also rejected suggestions that the federal government was using salary payments as leverage against Puntland’s administration, describing the payroll decision as a preventive measure aimed at avoiding risks that could arise from unpaid security personnel. He said the forces being paid were treated as part of the Somali National Army, and warned that withholding salaries from Somali troops could either fuel disorder or undermine their capacity and unity.

His comments followed remarks by Puntland’s presidential adviser for interior and security, Abdi Hirsi Ali Qajrab, who said 1,376 soldiers stationed in Puntland are paid directly by the Federal Government.