The Puntland administration has openly opposed the Federal Government of Somalia’s plan to make obtaining a passport conditional on a person possessing a National Identity Card. Puntland described this as a punishment and oppression of citizens’ rights.
Puntland’s Minister of Interior Abdi Farah Juhaa spoke strongly about this issue, saying that the Somali passport has been described as the weakest in the world in terms of immigration, yet its people are being punished with strict conditions, which he described as evil and injustice that results when power is in the hands of one person.
Puntland has previously warned its citizens against adopting the National Identity Card, saying the system is being implemented for political and vested interests and not based on consultation and national agreement.
Puntland’s concerns are based on the fact that the new system will be used for politicization, especially in disputed elections.
The conflict between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia is rooted in a dispute over constitutional changes and disputed elections.
Critics of the policies of the President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, say that this plan aims to postpone the federal and regional elections, with a focus on amending the interim constitution and holding local council elections without a political agreement.
Somali citizens have also previously complained about the high costs associated with obtaining national identity cards and passports.
