Puntland has unveiled its own civilian identification agency, escalating tensions with Somalia’s federal government over a nationwide biometric ID rollout.
On Wednesday, President Said Abdullahi Deni signed a decree forming the Puntland Identification Authority (PID), a body that will independently manage identity card issuance in the region. This defies a federal directive mandating that all public and private entities adopt the national biometric ID system.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has emphasized that the federal ID system is vital for streamlining governance, bolstering security, and delivering services. He recently mandated that access to government services requires possession of the national ID, describing it as a “development platform” essential to Somalia’s progress.
The federal initiative, managed by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), seeks to register 15 million citizens by 2026. The project has received $10.5 million in funding and technical aid from Pakistan’s NADRA, a global leader in biometric data systems.
Puntland has rejected the federal system, citing lack of legal clarity and fears it could undermine regional self-governance. Its Ministry of Interior has urged residents not to participate, branding the initiative as politically motivated and lacking consultation with federal member states.
“This registration is politically motivated and infringes on Puntland’s autonomy,” the ministry said in a March statement. It also raised concerns about data protection, calling the federal system “insecure and vulnerable to breaches.”
Tensions rose in March when Puntland security forces detained a journalist in Galkayo accused of enrolling in the federal ID program. Authorities warned that citizens engaging with the system could face penalties, including suspension of their Puntland citizenship rights.
Further controversy emerged when NIRA denied allegations that it had reassigned the Puntland districts of Galdogob and Jariiban to neighboring Galmudug state. NIRA labeled the claims as misinformation and clarified that it lacks the authority to alter administrative boundaries.
Despite regional resistance, federal leaders remain firm.
Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali said the ID card will be integrated across government institutions to reinforce public trust. NIRA Director General Abdiweli Ali Abdulle called the initiative “a cornerstone of Somalia’s future,” linking it to electoral integrity and financial inclusion.