Saturday September 16, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre launched the national identification and registration process to promote digital transformation in Somalia.
Speaking at the inauguration event in Mogadishu on Saturday, Prime Minister Barre emphasized that the new biometric ID system would create more opportunities for citizens and foster a conducive environment for national cohesion.
The Prime Minister reiterated that introducing the National ID would help the Somali people overcome various socio-economic challenges that have hindered their developmental potential. Additionally, it would advance democracy and the rule of law. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that Somali citizens enjoy equal rights and have the opportunity to participate in all national commitments.
"Starting today, our citizens will enjoy their full constitutional rights with the launch of the biometric identification system. The issuance of properly registered national IDs will open up more opportunities for the Somali people and promote national cohesion in our country," he added.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, currently in Dhusamareb, the administrative capital of Galmudug State, received his ID card as part of the country's new national ID issuance rollout. The President praised the initiative as a significant milestone in Somalia's state-building process, emphasizing that it would enhance security and address other national priorities.
"The National ID is essential for the country's security and the fight against corruption. It ensures that people are known from the day they receive their ID until their passing, at which point their status will be recorded as deceased. In the modern world of the 21st century, an ID is indispensable, so let's all obtain a national ID as soon as possible. Identity is the key to security, the economy, services, education, health, and everything," he said.
President Mohamed expressed gratitude to the government of Pakistan for providing software assistance to Somalia, enabling Somali citizens to obtain a National ID.
The launch event was attended by high-level government officials and representatives from Somalia's development partners, including the EU, African Union, UN agencies, World Bank Group, Pakistan, UK, USA, Gulf Countries, and partners and ID4Africa.