Somalia Launches Marriage and Divorce Registration System to Strengthen Civil Records

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU:  The Federal Government of Somalia has announced the introduction of an official system for registering marriages and divorces, a move officials say will help modernize the country’s civil records and protect citizens’ rights.

The initiative, part of the broader Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) programme, will require couples to formally register both marriages and divorces. The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation said the records will be stored in a secure national database, reducing the risk of fraudulent marriages and legal disputes.

Under the new framework, couples will need to submit required documentation to receive official certificates for marriage or divorce. Authorities say these documents will be essential for safeguarding inheritance rights, clarifying child custody responsibilities, and accessing public services such as passports, health insurance, and education scholarships.

The system will be implemented through a modern electronic platform that has already been tested in several districts. The government plans to roll it out nationwide and extend the service to Somali embassies abroad.

Officials have hailed the measure as a significant step toward building a modern state, improving the efficiency of public services, and strengthening public trust in government institutions.

The registration drive is expected to have long-term benefits for governance, social stability, and development planning, marking a milestone in Somalia’s ongoing state-building efforts.