MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is facing mounting political criticism after saying on Tuesday that members of the militant group Al-Shabaab could register for the country’s new National ID card because they remain Somali citizens despite “becoming bad and turning into terrorists.”
The comments, which circulated widely on social media, triggered a wave of backlash from lawmakers, opposition figures and members of the public who questioned the purpose of the identification programme if individuals affiliated with extremist organisations were eligible to enrol. Critics also argued that the remarks risked sending mixed signals at a time when the government is attempting to weaken Al-Shabaab’s influence.
Speaking outside parliament, MP Hassan Yare accused the president of “encouraging terrorists,” adding that hearing a national leader suggest that groups linked to Al-Qaeda or Islamic State could obtain state identification was “not palatable.” He went further, alleging- without providing evidence – that the president was preparing conditions that could enable Al-Shabaab to attempt seizing the capital, Mogadishu.
Opposition MP Abdirahman Abdishakur also condemned the remarks, saying the public may have been shocked but he was not. He argued that the president treats the state “as an enterprise where everyone can be a client,” claiming officials increasingly speak without discipline, protocol or awareness of the consequences their statements might carry.
The comments have also intensified tensions between the federal government and regional administrations. Puntland, which has already declared it will not participate in the National ID rollout and does not recognise the federal programme, seized on the controversy as further justification for its refusal. Officials there argued that a system allowing “even terrorists” to obtain identification cannot be implemented in areas under their control.
As criticism continued to build on Wednesday, the federal government had yet to offer any clarification, explanation or apology for the president’s remarks.
The National ID programme is one of the government’s flagship initiatives, intended to establish a unified identity system and improve security checks across the country. The controversy has raised questions about its implementation and the political cohesion needed to support it.
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