President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced a significant shift in the country’s citizenship policy, stating that only individuals with national identification cards will be recognized as citizens once the ongoing biometric ID program concludes.
Launched in September 2023,this initiative aims to register at least 15 million Somalis, including children, by 2026. During a recent address, President Mohamud emphasized the importance of formal identification.
“Anyone who fails to register for the Somali ID within the set timelines shall not be considered a Somali citizen,” the President said.
He further explained that identification is now “the cornerstone of Somali belonging,” asserting that, “It is through identification (card) that one becomes Somali, not through appearance or simply speaking the Somali language.”
This new identification system, instituted after over 30 years of operating without a centralized identity framework, is seen as essential for enhancing national security.
Since July this year, citizens have been required to present their national IDs to access banking services and for domestic flights.
The president also highlighted that biometric IDs would help combat the widespread issue of fraudulent passports, with nearly 10 million Somali passports currently in circulation, many acquired through illegal means.
“The era of being in Somalia without an identity is over,” he stated.
“From birth to every stage of life, the Somali identity card will be with you forever,” the president concluded.
