Facebook Twitter Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
The Puntland regional administration has officially rejected the Federal Government of Somalia’s National Identification Card initiative, calling it a politically motivated scheme that threatens the region’s autonomy. The announcement adds to the growing tensions between Puntland and the central government over governance and administrative authority.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Puntland’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Democratization strongly warned residents against participating in the registration process. Officials claimed the program lacked a legal foundation and imposed an unnecessary financial burden on Somali citizens already facing economic hardships.
According to Puntland authorities, the Federal Government is using the National ID system as a tool to manipulate future elections without broad political consensus. They argued that the project was designed to sideline stakeholders and divert public attention from the country’s pressing security and unity challenges.
“The registration is politically driven and aimed at facilitating illegitimate elections without proper agreement with stakeholders, distracting citizens from the actual security and national unity challenges facing Somalia,” the statement read.
Concerns over data security also played a significant role in Puntland’s rejection of the program. The administration expressed doubts about the safety and reliability of the information collected under the initiative, warning that the data could fall into the wrong hands. They questioned whether the government had the capability to safeguard sensitive personal information from potential misuse.
While the Somali government has denied accusations that the ID cards are linked to electoral manipulation, it has promoted the initiative as a crucial step toward strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing security. Officials argue that a national identification system is essential for Somalia’s long-term development and stability.
However, Puntland remains unconvinced. The regional government dismissed these claims, insisting that the program was more about financial gain than governance. “It is a wealth accumulation scheme that imposes a financial burden on Somali citizens already dealing with security and economic hardships,” the ministry asserted.
As an alternative, Puntland officials have announced plans to introduce their own state-issued identification card. They argue that a localized system will better serve the governance and administrative needs of Puntland’s residents. “Puntland will continue to implement policies that advance the interests of its people, including a localized identification system that serves its governance needs,” the ministry stated.
This rejection of the National ID program is just the latest flashpoint in the long-standing dispute between Puntland and the Federal Government. The two sides have frequently clashed over issues of governance, power distribution, and regional autonomy.
In March 2024, Puntland declared that it would govern itself independently until constitutional amendments proposed by the central government were ratified through a nationwide referendum. This declaration deepened the rift between Puntland and Mogadishu, further complicating efforts to achieve national unity.
As of now, the Federal Government has not issued a direct response to Puntland’s stance on the National ID initiative. However, with Puntland actively pushing back against the program, the dispute is likely to continue, adding another layer of complexity to Somalia’s already fragile political landscape.