On a bright Sunday morning in Mogadishu,
Somalia, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre marked a momentous occasion that would
have a profound impact on the nation's future.
The Somali National Identification System
(SNIDS) was officially inaugurated in collaboration with the National Database
and Registration Authority (NADRA). This event, which coincided with
International Identity Day, drew a distinguished crowd, including development
partners from around the world.
The international community turned out in full
force to witness this historic moment, with representatives from Pakistan, the
European Union, the World Bank Group, the United Kingdom, the United States,
Gulf countries, ID4Africa, as well as diplomats and UN agencies all present. It
was a testament to the significance of this initiative.
In his address to the gathering, Prime
Minister Hamza Abdi Barre extended his heartfelt appreciation to his Pakistani
counterpart and NADRA for their invaluable support throughout the
implementation of SNIDS.
He also commended them for their generous
assistance in bolstering the capacity of the National Identification and
Registration Authority (NIRA) in Somalia.
The international dignitaries, including UN
Special Representative for Somalia Catriona Laing and British Ambassador to
Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis, expressed their admiration for NADRA's robust
systems and offered congratulations to both the Pakistani and Somali
governments for this remarkable achievement.
It was a tangible example of the strong ties
between Pakistan and Somalia, with Pakistan extending a multimillion-dollar
grant to support its brotherly nation.
The issuance of national IDs was a pivotal
moment for Somalia, as it enabled NIRA and the Ministry of Interior to fulfill
their mandate of improving governance, enhancing security, and driving
socioeconomic development in the country. These IDs would provide Somali
citizens with a secure and universally recognized form of identification.
Even President of Somalia Hassan M Sheikh
himself enrolled for his national ID, alongside other government dignitaries,
as part of the nationwide registration drive. This gesture underscored the
significance of the occasion and the unity of purpose in advancing Somalia's
development.
SNIDS was expected to streamline public
service delivery, including social welfare programs, healthcare services, and
electoral processes, ultimately leading to better governance.
NADRA Chairman Asad Rehman Gilani conveyed a
heartfelt message to his counterpart in Somalia, expressing immense pride in
the successful execution and launch of Somalia's National Identification
System. He emphasized Pakistan's vision for a more secure and prosperous
Somalia, where every citizen has access to reliable identification.
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