By 
In a move aimed at fostering digital transformation within the country, Somalia launched a “historic” national identification card and registration initiative on Saturday.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre became the first recipients of these national identification cards.
President Mohamud hailed the launch as a significant milestone, emphasizing its potential to enhance security, public service delivery, and provide citizens with a means to establish their identities. He shared his thoughts on this momentous event on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Prime Minister Barre, speaking at the launch ceremony held in the capital, Mogadishu, expressed his optimism that the new biometric identity card system would open up more opportunities for citizens and create an environment conducive to national cohesion.
He added that this initiative would grant Somali citizens their full constitutional rights from the very day of its launch. Furthermore, he highlighted how the introduction of national identification cards would help the Somali people overcome numerous socioeconomic challenges, unlocking their development potential while advancing democracy and the rule of law.
This historic rollout of national identification cards comes at a crucial time for Somalia, as the country continues to grapple with a longstanding conflict against an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group that has been engaged in combat with the government and African Union Peacekeepers since 2007.
Comments