Mogadishu, (SONNA) – Somalia today joined the rest of the continent in marking the 8th Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day, under the theme “Civil Registration as the Foundation of Africa’s Legal Identity Infrastructure and Digital Systems.” The annual commemoration, established by the African Union Executive Council in 2018, aims to raise awareness on the importance of effective CRVS systems and to mobilize support for strengthening national and regional efforts in ensuring every citizen is officially recorded.
This year’s theme underscores the vital role of civil registration in building a reliable, inclusive, and secure digital future that guarantees all citizens legal recognition and access to essential services.
To mark the occasion, Somalia’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation announced the rollout of a Unified Digital Civil Registration Service, now operational in 19 districts across the Federal Member States of Jubbaland, South West, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Northeastern State. These districts include Caabudwaaq, Cadaado, Dhuusamareeb, Gaalkacyo, Balcad, Warsheekh, Buuloburde, Baladweyne, Jowhar, Afmadow, Buuloxaawo, Dhoobley, Garbahaarey, Kismaayo, Baraawe, Diinsoor, Waajid, Xudur, and Laascaanood.
The new system enables local administrations to digitally register births, marriages, divorces, and deaths, with all records stored in a central national database. Officials say this will help overcome longstanding challenges in obtaining official documentation and improve service delivery.
The Ministry is now working to integrate the digital registration system with other government services, including health, education, national ID, and immigration. Plans are also underway to expand the service to all regions and districts, ensuring access even for communities in remote areas.
Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to the continental call for advancing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems so that every African citizen is counted and included in official government records.
