Through the U.N., the U.S. raises the security forces in Lebanon’s low salary
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Sulaiman
- . January 26, 2023
- . Update: January 26, 2023 6:49 pm
Following salary reductions due to a currency collapse, the US said on Wednesday that it would give $72 million in cash stipends to Lebanon’s security personnel through a special UN programme.
Since Lebanon’s financial system collapsed in 2019, its currency has lost nearly 97% of its value against the dollar, bringing the average soldier’s monthly payments to about $80.
Due to severe financial constraints, the military ceased providing meat to troops in its canteens in 2020 and started providing sightseeing excursions in its helicopters.
The plan was a “temporary” solution, according to U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea, “given the urgency of Lebanon’s economic crisis.”
She gave specifics of the scheme, which would give members of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces $100 in cash each month for six months, together with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Joseph Aoun.
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Both have previously received security assistance from the United States, including training and equipment, but she said this would be the first time the country had increased salary.
Aoun expressed gratitude to the US and UN for helping “troops and their families” who were in need in a nation that was “on the point of collapse.”
5,000 force personnel have reportedly left without permission since 2019 according to military sources who told Reuters that the pay addition could help Lebanon’s army from further depletion.
In the expectation that other nations would also contribute, the U.S. stated its intention to provide financial support a year ago and established the unique structure with the U.N., according to sources familiar with the programme who spoke to Reuters.
