MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Tuesday that security agencies have informed him that the extremist group Al-Shabaab has ordered its members to register for the country’s new national identification card.
Speaking at a meeting on the rollout of the ID system, Mohamud said he welcomed the development, noting that biometric registration would help authorities identify anyone involved in terrorism.
“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 traveling abroad and posing risks to other countries, he added.
The president warned that anyone providing services to individuals who do not possess the national ID 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.
Mohamud also 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.
Somalia’s national ID initiative is part of a broader government effort to modernize public services and tighten security across the country.
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