On March 19, 2025, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro of Somaliland inaugurated a comprehensive biometric registration initiative targeting all personnel across the nation’s security forces. This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitments to modernize and enhance the efficiency of Somaliland’s defense and security sectors.
The biometric registration employs IRIS technology to create accurate and verifiable records of all servicemen and servicewomen. This approach aims to address issues such as payroll fraud and the existence of “ghost personnel” within the armed forces, custodial corps, and police. By ensuring that only legitimate security personnel are compensated, the government seeks to promote transparency and accountability within the security sector.
In conjunction with the biometric registration, President Irro has authorized a 50% salary increase for security forces, contingent upon the successful completion of the biometric enrollment. This salary adjustment is part of a broader reform package designed to modernize the military by providing enhanced training and modern equipment, thereby strengthening national security.
To support this initiative, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) has extended technical assistance by providing 50 IRIS Biometric registration kits and deploying experienced trainers to facilitate the registration process. This collaboration underscores the administration’s dedication to leveraging technological solutions to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the security services.
The biometric registration initiative represents a significant step toward comprehensive security sector reform in Somaliland, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing its defense forces and ensuring the welfare of its security personnel.