By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – All Somalilanders are set to receive identity cards for the first time in almost 24 years.
The much awaited registration exercise was kicked-off by the Somaliland president Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo in the capital Hargeisa where he became the first registered citizen #10023575.
At the launch registration process at the Civil service hall where new biometric tools registering the IRIS of applicants thus deter double ID card take, also saw a number of senior government officials get their ID cards.
After he was registered and issued his ID card president Silanyo speaking to citizens awaiting their turn to take the Identification card said, “While am very happy to be finally registered as a Citizen of Somaliland I urge each and every one of us who fulfills to apply”
Among those registered with president Silanyo were his ministers of the Presidency, Interior and Energy, Hirsi Haji Ali, Ali Waran’ade and Eng Hussein Abdi Duale respectively as well as various dignitaries representing Civil Society organizations, private sector and Traditional leadership.
Despite vociferous opposition to the ID card registration by oppositi0n politicians the exercise launch went off smoothly and anticipations are high that things will work out similarly nationwide.
