Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has closed the country’s second National Identification Conference, praising progress on the rollout of a unified digital ID system. The two-day conference in Mogadishu brought together government officials, experts, and civil society representatives to review advances made by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and discuss the future of Somalia’s national ID programme.
President Mohamud commended NIRA’s work and the growing number of citizens who have registered for the new digital ID, emphasizing the government’s commitment to establishing a modern, secure, and centralized identification system. He stressed that every Somali citizen should obtain the NIRA ID card, as it will soon become essential for accessing public services and participating in the country’s democratic processes.
The conference underscored the importance of a functional national ID system for future reforms, including one-person, one-vote elections, improved service delivery, and strengthening trust between citizens and the state. President Mohamud called on all government institutions to implement the conference’s recommendations, ensuring that every Somali gains access to the national identification system and reinforcing public confidence in state institutions.
The rollout of the digital ID system is a significant step towards aligning Somalia with global standards and upholding constitutional and democratic processes. A unified identification system will enable the government to provide more effective public services, improve security, and promote economic development. The president’s emphasis on the importance of a national ID system reflects the government’s commitment to building a more modern and secure state.
The National Identification and Registration Authority has made significant progress in registering citizens for the new digital ID, with a growing number of Somalis already registered. The authority’s work is critical to the success of the national ID programme, and its efforts have been recognized by the president and other stakeholders. As Somalia continues to rebuild and recover from years of conflict, the establishment of a functional national ID system will play a crucial role in promoting stability, security, and development.