Federal government launches national ID rollout as Puntland minister raises objections

Somalia’s federal government officially launched the implementation of the National Identification System on Monday, with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announcing that all public and private services will now require a national ID. This move, he said, is essential for national development after more than 30 years without a formal identification system.

In a statement shared via social media, Prime Minister Barre emphasized the long-overdue nature of the initiative, highlighting its role in improving governance, economic development, and security across Somalia. He also assured that all necessary legal frameworks and data protection guidelines would be established to support the rollout.

“A digital ID is a developmental opportunity for Somalia,” Prime Minister Barre said, stressing its importance for facilitating access to vital services such as healthcare, education, and banking.

However, the policy has sparked criticism from Puntland’s Interior Minister, Abdi Farah Saeed “Juxa,” who raised concerns about the potential impact of the ID system on citizens in regions that have not endorsed it. In a statement posted on his X account, Juxa questioned the new policy’s effects on citizens’ ability to travel, work, and access public services. He reiterated Puntland’s position, advocating for a confederal solution to Somalia’s political and governance challenges.

“Confederalism is the only option for Somalia,” Juxa said, underscoring his opposition to the centralization of governance through federal directives like the national ID rollout. Puntland severed ties with the federal government last year over political disputes regarding constitutional amendments and has since refused to work with Mogadishu.

While the new policy aims to foster unity and streamline service delivery, its implementation remains a point of contention in regions opposed to the federal government’s approach.