Garowe – Puntland’s Minister of the Presidency, Abdifatah Abdinur, has urged federal authorities to confront what he described as an escalating crisis within Somalia’s E-visa system, after the United States raised concerns about the platform’s security and governance.
His remarks, shared publicly on Wednesday, reflected growing anxiety within regional administrations over the integrity of a system meant to modernize travel procedures but now facing scrutiny for exposing applicants to potential fraud and exploitation.
According to Abdinur, the warning from Washington should serve as a turning point for Mogadishu, signaling the need for urgent reforms rather than defensive politics. He emphasized that the risks are no longer theoretical. Ordinary Somalis, he noted, are increasingly vulnerable to identity theft and the mishandling of personal information, while reports of applicants being pressured for unofficial payments have become more frequent in recent months.
Officials and travelers have voiced frustration over inconsistent procedures, ambiguous payment channels, and a lack of clear oversight—issues that have deepened public distrust and strained relations between the federal government and Somalia’s international partners. For many families and business travelers, what should be a straightforward application has turned into a costly and uncertain ordeal.
Abdinur’s comments highlight a broader debate over accountability in Somalia’s digital governance efforts. While the E-visa system was introduced to streamline mobility and align the country with global standards, its implementation has been clouded by technical gaps and competing political interests. Puntland, which has openly clashed with the federal government on several administrative matters this year, views the situation as a symptom of deeper institutional weaknesses that could damage Somalia’s international standing if left unaddressed.
The minister’s warning comes as diplomats and regional leaders quietly urge Mogadishu to increase transparency, strengthen data protection measures, and create a clearer chain of responsibility within the immigration system. For travelers and Somali diaspora communities, the stakes remain personal: ensuring their information is safe and that the process does not become another barrier in a country already facing numerous challenges.
As scrutiny intensifies, the federal government now faces mounting pressure to reassure both its citizens and partners abroad that Somalia’s path toward digital modernization will not come at the expense of trust, security, or fairness.