Somali president vows to overhaul passport system after 10 million issued without clear records

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said more than 10 million people own Somali passports, many of which were issued without proper verification, and pledged to reform the system to prevent misuse and security risks.

Speaking during a televised address, Mohamud announced sweeping changes to the country’s identity verification process, including a directive that all government and private sector services must begin using the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) ID card instead of passports.

“We will fix how passports are issued,” Mohamud said. “From now on, the national ID will be the only accepted form of identification. Anyone who fails to comply with this directive will be considered a national offender.”

The president accused some institutions of enabling corruption, criminal activity, and terrorism by allowing individuals to access services without proper identification. He warned that any government agency or private business that refuses to adopt the national ID system would be held accountable.

“Those who refuse to implement the national ID system are helping terrorists, criminals, and undocumented foreigners,” Mohamud said. “They are not just breaking the law — they are endangering national security.”

He added that in the future, anyone without a national ID would lose access to citizenship rights and public services, including health care, education, and legal recognition.

Since the NIRA system was introduced, about 500,000 Somalis have registered for the national ID. However, Mohamud said the goal is to register at least 20 million citizens.

The move comes as the federal government attempts to tighten controls over identification amid longstanding concerns over fraudulent documents, smuggling, and foreign fighters moving across borders.

Puntland and Jubbaland have so far refused to implement the national ID system due to a lack of consultation, creating friction with the federal government and potentially complicating the rollout of the new policy.

GAROWE ONLINE