Facebook Twitter Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
The Puntland government warns residents against registering, calling the initiative politically motivated, legally questionable, and a financial burden
Puntland has refused to take part in Somalia’s National Identification Card registration program, arguing that it is politically motivated and threatens the region’s autonomy. The regional government has warned its residents against registering for the ID, calling the project legally questionable and financially burdensome.
On Tuesday, Puntland’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Democratization released a statement making it clear that the administration will not accept any law imposed without proper agreement. The ministry accused the Federal Government of Somalia of using the National ID project as a way to manipulate future elections without consulting all political stakeholders.
“The registration is not just about IDs; it’s a political move to set up unfair elections without proper agreements. Instead of addressing real security and unity problems in Somalia, they are using this to distract citizens,” the statement said.
Puntland is also concerned about the security and reliability of the data collected in the ID registration process. It claims that the information gathered is not properly protected and could end up in the wrong hands.
On the other hand, the Somali Federal Government has dismissed these concerns. It insists that the National ID program is meant to improve governance, provide better public services, and strengthen security across the country. However, Puntland believes the initiative will only add unnecessary costs to Somali citizens who are already struggling with economic hardships and insecurity.
“The program is nothing more than a money-making scheme that adds financial pressure on Somali people who are already suffering from economic and security challenges,” Puntland’s ministry stated.
Instead of participating in the Federal Government’s program, Puntland has announced plans to introduce its own regional identification card. This Puntland State ID will be designed to serve local governance and administrative purposes, ensuring that the region maintains control over its affairs.
“Puntland will continue to implement policies that benefit its people, including a local identification system that meets our governance needs,” the ministry added.
This rejection of the National ID program is just the latest disagreement between Puntland and the Federal Government. The two sides have been at odds over governance and administrative control for some time. In March 2024, Puntland declared that it would govern itself independently until Somalia’s constitution is amended and ratified through a national referendum.
So far, the Federal Government has not responded to Puntland’s decision to reject the National ID initiative. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Somalia’s central government and Puntland, which continues to assert its autonomy and push for self-governance.