National identity card (Somaliland) explained

A Somaliland National Identity Card is an official document issued by the Somaliland government to its citizens. It acts as proof of identity for someone who holds it.^[1]

Overview

In 2006 the government of Somaliland initiated a voter registration process where each Somaliland citizen would receive a national ID ahead of the presidential election.^[2] Between October 2008 and January 2009 around 1.3 million citizens were issued national ID cards as well as voting cards.^[3] This was the first time a population was registered in Somali history and in the wider Somali lands.

In 2015, the then president of Somaliland Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (Siilaanyo) launched a project to create a biometric National Identity Card system and to register all Somaliland citizens within a six-month period.^[4]

All citizens of Somaliland aged 15 or older are required to register in the national ID database, which can be used to access social services and other government programs.

The National ID card can be applied for online.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Somaliland Local Government eServices National ID Application Form . 2024-06-28 . www.govsomaliland.online.
2. Book: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Report Submitted to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives and Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate by the Department of State in Accordance with Sections 116(d) and 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended . 2008 . U.S. Government Printing Office . en.
3. Rader . Anna C . Politique Africaine: The politics of recognition and authenticity: Constructing Somaliland through voter cards . Politique Africaine . CAIRN . 144 . 2016 . 51–71 . 4. 10.3917/polaf .
4. Web site: Somaliland National ID Project . FindBiometrics.