Defence Headquarters Orders Retired Soldiers to Vacate Ministry of Finance Premises

The Defence Headquarters has directed retired soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance to vacate the premises, citing disruptions to government activities.

The protesters are demanding payment of their benefits, which they claim have been withheld due to the introduction of two separate salary charts for military personnel in 2024.

The issue stems from the implementation of a new minimum wage, resulting in two salary charts: the “pre-minimum wage chart” effective from January 1 to July 28, 2024, and the “minimum wage chart” effective from July 29, 2024.

Retired soldiers who exited the military between January 1 and July 28, 2024, want their gratuity and allowances calculated based on the new chart, which is not possible according to the Defence Headquarters.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, emphasized that the veterans have been adequately informed about the situation but continue to protest, disrupting the Ministry’s activities.

While acknowledging their right to protest, the Defence Headquarters urges them to vacate the premises to allow government functions to proceed smoothly.

This is not the first time the retired soldiers have protested. They had earlier suspended demonstrations on August 4 after meeting with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, who assured them that their benefits would be paid by August 10. However, the assurances were not fulfilled, prompting the retirees to resume their protests.