Somalia's National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has made significant progress in registering citizens, with over 1.5 million Somalis now holding national ID cards. This development was announced by Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Ali Yusuf Ali Hoosh during an event in Mogadishu marking World ID Day. The minister highlighted the importance of a national identification system in providing citizens with access to essential services.
The introduction of a national ID system in Somalia marks a major milestone, as the country had previously lacked a formal identification system for over three decades. NIRA was established to oversee the implementation of a modern national ID system, known as eAqoonsi, which was launched in September 2023. This digital system aims to provide a unified national identity infrastructure, enabling citizens to access various public and private services.
Minister Ali Hoosh emphasized the government's commitment to extending national identification to every Somali citizen, with special priority given to persons with disabilities and displaced communities. He also stressed the importance of protecting citizens' data, citing the responsibility of both government institutions and private sector entities to safeguard this information. The minister encouraged citizens who have not yet obtained a national ID card to register, highlighting that the process is free of charge within Somalia.
The national ID system is expected to have a significant impact on citizens' daily lives, facilitating access to essential services such as travel and other public and private services. The minister urged government agencies, federal member states, district administrations, civil society groups, and the media to help raise public awareness about the national ID and encourage registration. This effort aims to ensure that every Somali citizen has access to the benefits provided by the national ID system.
To further expand the reach of the national ID system, the minister announced plans to launch the ID issuance process at Somali embassies abroad. This move is expected to enable Somali citizens living outside the country to obtain national ID cards, promoting a unified national identity infrastructure globally. The government's goal is to register 15 million citizens and residents by 2029.
The implementation of the national ID system has been made possible through the efforts of NIRA, which was established to oversee the registration process. The authority has been working to ensure the successful rollout of the eAqoonsi system, which has already shown significant progress with over 1.5 million citizens registered. The government remains committed to achieving its goal of universal registration.
The introduction of a national ID system in Somalia is a significant step toward strengthening the country's infrastructure and providing citizens with access to essential services. With the government's goal of registering 15 million citizens and residents by 2029, the national ID system is expected to play a crucial role in promoting national development and unity.
Key points
- Somalia aims to register 15 million citizens and residents by 2029.
- The national ID system provides citizens with access to essential services.
- The ID issuance process will soon be launched at Somali embassies abroad.
