Farmajo signs 2021 budget just over a month before his term expires

MOGADISHU, Somalia - With Just over a month before his term expires, President Farmajo has signed the 2021 budget which is expected to run operations in the government even as he prepares for another epic battle that would see him face some of his perennial foes.

The government has planned for the 2021 budget at $670 million which is an increase of $194 million. Last year's budget stood at $476 million and it was largely funded by external creditors, some of whom are Somalia's traditional friends.

Somalia's government has seen revenue fortunes dwindle substantially with Hiraan Institute projecting that the militant group of Al-Shabaab has been collecting more than what the government can realize. The militants are estimated to be collecting more than the government.

Over years, the budget estimates have, however, been increasing due to the rising demands of the country's impoverished population and the need to expand the infrastructure. Also, the country is fixing a number of mega roads, ports, and even the agriculture department.

The president commended the parliament members for their commitment to fulfilling their constitutional obligations and thanked them for approving the new budget. Farmajo is usually popular within the Lower House whose term has also elapsed.

The president also thanked the Ministry of Finance and Somali financial experts for preparing and formulating a budget that reflects the needs of the Somali people. Besides external creditors, the country has been striving to increase domestic revenue.

President Farmajo instructed the government to focus on accelerating social services, increasing employment opportunities for youth, and ensuring the salaries of government employees and the Armed Forces are paid.

GAROWE ONLINE