On October 1, 2025, the Government of Somaliland inaugurated the National Identification Card Office in Ainabo, the largest district in the Sool region. The ceremony was held at the Ainabo District local government headquarters and marks a significant milestone in Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to decentralize public services.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including Ainabo Mayor Mohamed Haybe, Governor Ahmed Abdilahi, officials from the Somaliland National ID Card Department under the Ministry of Interior, as well as representatives of civil society organizations from across the district. Their participation reflected the importance of this initiative in strengthening governance and improving access to essential state services.
For years, residents of Ainabo had to travel to neighboring regions, particularly Togdheer, to obtain identification cards. Mayor Mohamed Haybe underlined the importance of bringing the service closer to citizens, stating: “We extend our gratitude to the President of the Republic of Somaliland and his government for enabling us to establish this National ID office in Ainabo. With well-trained staff now in place, this office will not only facilitate access to services but also enhance the security of the region.”
Similarly, Governor Ahmed Abdilahi emphasized the broader significance of the initiative:
“It is a matter of great honor to inaugurate the Somaliland National Identification Registration Office in Ainabo District, Sool region.”
Although Ainabo continues to face major developmental challenges due to its vast size and limited resources, caused by the labeled Redzone, the opening of this office demonstrates meaningful progress toward decentralizing government services. More importantly, it fulfills one of the commitments made by President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro during his recent election campaign, reflecting his administration’s priorities in improving governance and service delivery.
Background of the Somaliland National Identification System
The Somaliland National Identification Card, first introduced in 2014 under the leadership of the late President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud “Silanyo,” is a secure biometric smart card designed to provide citizens with an official, multi-purpose proof of identity. The system was established to strengthen national security, improve transparency, enhance civil registration, and facilitate access to government services.
The National ID system aims to:
1. Provide secure and reliable identification.
2. Strengthen national security and transparency.
3. Improve delivery of government services.
4. Uphold national integrity and sovereignty.
5. Support comprehensive civil registration.
The National ID has a strict criterion that a person must meet to obtain it, applicable to all citizens over the age of 15. The system ensures that every individual has a legally recognized proof of identity, thereby reinforcing both state authority and national unity.
Legal Foundation of Citizenship
The legal basis for Somaliland citizenship is rooted in the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland, particularly Article Four, which states, “Any person who is a part of Somaliland, being a descendant of a person residing in Somaliland on June 26, 1960, or earlier, shall be recognized as a citizen of Somaliland.”
This principle was first established under the Somaliland Nationality and Citizenship Ordinance of 1960 (Ordinance No. 15 of 1960), which came into force upon Somaliland’s independence on June 26, 1960. After the restoration of sovereignty, Somaliland enacted an updated Citizenship Law (Law No. 22 of 2002) to reflect the state’s renewed legal framework.
Laasgeel Institute Statement
The Laasgeel Institute for Policy Studies and Research Analysis (LIPS) welcomed the opening of the Ainabo office as a positive step toward decentralization, good governance, and citizens’ basic human rights. This initiative reflects Somaliland’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, improving transparency, and expanding public services to underserved regions.
By extending state services into Sool, the government is not only promoting development but also protecting Somaliland’s sovereignty against Somalia’s continued illegal claims over its territory. In particular, Somalia’s illegal establishment of administration in the Las Anod district under the name of the so-called “North East State of Somalia” has fueled instability and violence in the region.
Ultimately, decentralization initiatives like the Ainabo ID office demonstrate Somaliland’s capacity to govern its territories effectively and peacefully, thereby strengthening its legitimate case for international recognition. However, the Laasgeel Institute called on the international community to recognize that Somalia’s interference threatens peace and stability in the Horn of Africa by violating Somaliland’s sovereignty and destabilizing its democratic government. These illegal claims could ignite conflicts and cause heavy bloodshed if the African Union and the rest of the world do not pressure Somalia to stop interference and proxy wars inside Somaliland territory.
