A serious threat to national security is looming as rice suppliers to the security sector—including the Army, Police, and Prisons—have halted deliveries due to the government’s prolonged failure to settle outstanding arrears, some of which date back as far as nine months.
Despite repeated appeals, the Ministry of Finance has yet to make payments to the contractors responsible for feeding personnel in the country’s frontline security services. The delay, sources say, is causing significant strain within the ranks, with personnel reportedly going without rice supplies for several months.
Senior police commanders, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that their officers have been without rice rations for the past four months. They described the situation as “critical” and warned that morale within the force is declining. “We have informed the highest authorities, including the National Security Adviser to the President and the Minister of Internal Affairs. So far, we’ve seen no concrete action,” one senior officer said.
Two of the largest rice suppliers to the government confirmed last night that they have been forced to suspend further deliveries. “We are owed a lot of money—millions. We simply cannot continue operations without payment,” one supplier said. “We’ve exhausted all efforts to engage the authorities, but there’s no movement. Our businesses are at risk, and we’re left with no choice.”
The situation points to a broader issue of fiscal mismanagement and lack of political will. Despite assurances from the Finance Ministry that the matter is being “discussed at the highest levels,” there has been no tangible plan or timeline communicated to suppliers.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance acknowledged that the government is deeply indebted to various contractors but refused to address the issue of rice suppliers specifically. “As you know, I cannot comment on individual cases,” the spokesperson said. When pressed further, he added, “The matter is under review,” but declined to provide details.
This inaction is raising serious concerns about the government’s commitment to the welfare of security personnel and the sustainability of vital supply chains.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, but it remains unclear when—if at all—the government intends to fulfill its obligations.
