The President receives the national ID card after his government launched the identification system

 Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, on Saturday launched the national identification and registration process to promote digital transformation in Somalia.

Speaking during the opening ceremony in Mogadishu, Berri stressed that the new biometric identity system will create more opportunities for citizens and foster an enabling environment for national cohesion. The Prime Minister noted that this system would help the Somali people overcome various social and economic challenges that hindered their development potential.

He added that the new system would also strengthen democracy and the rule of law, and renewed the government's commitment to ensuring that Somali citizens enjoy equal rights and have the opportunity to participate in all national obligations.

The Prime Minister said: “As of today, our citizens will enjoy their full constitutional rights with the launch of the biometric identification system. “Issuing properly registered national ID cards will open more opportunities for the Somali people and enhance national cohesion in our country.”

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is currently in Dosmarib, the administrative capital of Galmudug State, received his identity card. The President lauded the initiative as an important milestone in the state-building process in Somalia, stressing that it will enhance security and address other national priorities.

The president added: “The national ID card is necessary for the country’s security and the fight against corruption. “It ensures that people are known from the day they receive their ID card until they die, at which point their status will be registered as deceased.” He added: “In the twenty-first century, an ID card is indispensable. Let us all obtain a national ID card as soon as possible.” Identity is the key to security, economy, services, education, health and everything.”

President Mohamud expressed his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for providing software assistance to Somalia and enabling Somali citizens to obtain a national identity card. The launch ceremony was attended by high-level government officials and representatives of Somalia's development partners, including the European Union, the African Union, United Nations agencies, the World Bank Group, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Gulf states and other partners.