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Somalia to roll out citizen registration following $10.5m grant from Pakistan

Storyline:National News
Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi witnessing the Signing o Agreement with Somalia for a grant for a grant of $10.5 million and provision of technical assistance for the development of a national identification system May 23, 2018. Photo: Pakistan PM Office Handout

Somalia could soon be on course to rolling out national registration of citizens thanks to a $10.5 million grant from the government of Pakistan.

The two countries Wednesday signed an agreement that would see Pakistan support Somalia develop a national identification system.

“As part of the initiative, National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) will develop and supply technology, software and equipment which will enable the Government of Somalia to have a state-of-the-art national data and citizen registration system,” a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s office read.

The ‘knowledge and technology’ transfer would also help Somalia in Border Management and Elections Management system, the statement added.

Somali state minister for Interior Abdullahi Farah Wehliye thanked Pakistani government for the support.

The development of national identification system will be instrumental in enabling the government to effectively provide services such as issuance of IDs, passports and birth certificates among others.