Press Release: National ID Is a Constitutional Right, Not a Political Tool – Federal Government Affirms Unified System
Mogadishu, Somalia – April 21, 2025
The Federal Government of Somalia reiterates that the National Identification System is a constitutional right of every citizen, and as such, it cannot be politicized, obstructed, or fragmented. There will be only one unified national ID system that serves the entire country.
In line with Somalia’s constitutional aspirations and national development goals, the Federal Government has spent the past ten years building a reliable and secure national identification system—an essential pillar for restoring governance and safeguarding national security.
To support this vision, the Federal Government approved the National ID Policy, while both Houses of Parliament passed two critical laws in March 2023:
- National Identification Act (Law No. 9)
- Citizen Data Protection Act (Law No. 5)
These legislations led to the establishment of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). Modern, secure infrastructure and data protection systems have been procured to issue and manage citizen information safely. NIRA staff have been trained and formally sworn in to deliver their duties with integrity and professionalism.
The core objective of the national ID is strategic: to assign each Somali citizen a unique 11-digit number, enabling easier access to public services, enhancing internal mobility, fighting terrorism, and facilitating future cross-border travel, particularly within the East African Community, where Somalia is now a full member. It also aligns with SDG Goal 16.9, which aims to provide legal identity for all by 2030.
However, the recent unilateral move by the President of Puntland to establish a separate identification system (Decree No. 04, dated 09 April 2025) undermines national unity and violates established law and governance structures. This action is not only legally invalid and irresponsible but also sows confusion and disrupts the federal system, offering no benefit to citizens.
The Ministry strongly affirms: Every Somali citizen has the right to a legal identity, and no one may be denied or obstructed from this right. Any attempt to block or duplicate the national ID system will be viewed as a violation of citizens’ legal rights.
The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation urges Puntland authorities to cooperate constructively in implementing the national ID system and to direct resources toward other essential public services rather than duplicating systems that weaken national unity. Given Somalia’s economic realities and vast social needs, creating multiple ID systems is not only unsustainable but also irresponsible.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to a unified, secure, and inclusive National Identification System—open to all Somali citizens, in every region of the country. Efforts toward state-building and national development must remain collaborative and free from disruption.
