Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Minister of Interior and Reconciliation, Ali Xhosh, has initiated a significant consultation meeting to modernize Somalia’s governance and security systems by enhancing its legal and digital identity infrastructure.
This event, held in the capital, is a collaborative effort aimed at refining the national identity management system.
The meeting, which started on Saturday, saw the participation of key figures from federal and regional government agencies, UNDP representatives, and civil society leaders. This broad coalition highlights the strong support for the initiative.
Abdiweli Timacadde, manager of the National Identity Registration Authority (NIRA), emphasized the importance of the conference in shaping the future of Somalia’s identity system. “We’re not just talking about the present; we’re planning for a future where every Somali has a secure, verifiable digital identity,” he said, praising the joint efforts of government and international partners.
The three-day conference will:
– **Examine Legal Frameworks:** Consider changes to laws to better support digital identity systems, focusing on privacy, security, and inclusivity.
– **Enhance Digital Infrastructure:** Evaluate current technology, suggest improvements, and introduce new technologies for identity verification.
– **Develop Policies:** Craft policies to integrate digital identity into government services, improving efficiency and reducing fraud.
– **Learn from Global Practices:** Adapt international best practices to fit Somalia’s unique socio-economic and cultural context.
This initiative is timely as digital identity systems are increasingly vital for national security, service access, and economic growth. Somalia’s move towards a comprehensive digital identity system is viewed as a step towards more efficient governance, better service delivery, and stronger security against identity theft.
Minister Xhosh expressed his optimism, saying, “This is a crucial step towards securing our national identity and building trust with our citizens and international partners. We aim for a system that’s both secure and accessible to all Somalis.”
As the conference continues, participants are expected to develop actionable plans that could lead to legislative and technological advancements. The outcomes are anticipated to significantly impact Somalia’s governance, security, and socio-economic development.
