Somalia: President Faces Backlash After Saying Al-Shabaab Members Can Apply for National IDs

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says members of the Al-Shabaab group can take national Identity Cards as the country continues with a modernization programme in the security sector, which is undergoing reforms.

During a conference in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claimed members of the Al-Shabaab have informed security agencies that they are ready to register for the new identification programme in the country.

"Let them take it — their fingerprints and their faces will be recognized," he said with a laugh. They are Somali citizens who have become terrorists." Mohamud said the national ID program will strengthen security, boost the economy and help curb terrorism, money laundering and other crimes. It will also help prevent criminals from travelling abroad and posing risks to other countries, he added.

"Let every al-Shabaab member come forward, whether wearing a veil or a cap and take the national ID. They are Somali citizens who became terrorists; they should come and take it. We see no problem with that.” He made the remarks at the 2nd Somali National ID Conference.

Going forward, he said, services will only be provided to citizens who have registered, adding that those who will not consider enrolment will be considered to be aiding terrorism or criminal activity and will be held accountable. He urged Somalis to register and take advantage of what he called a critical national opportunity.

However, he acknowledged corruption within the registration process, criticizing individuals who sell access tickets to ID centers or deliberately create long queues. "Those who try to profit by obstructing people who leave their businesses to come register will not earn a lawful living," he said.

But his comments after suggesting that Al-Shabaab should register for ID cards have faced criticism, with security analysts saying the move could be counterproductive in the fight against Al-Shabaab within the country.

Mohamud said citizenship rights extend to all Somalis, including militants, prompting backlash from opposition figures and security commentators. His comments followed months of government efforts to expand enrollment in the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) system.

GAROWE ONLINE