Galkayo (KAAB TV) – The Puntland government has officially banned a public registration program in Galkayo that was initiated by the Federal Government of Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
Faisal Sheikh Ali, the Governor of Mudug region in Puntland, who has consistently opposed the federal registration process, has urged the people of Galkayo not to participate in the program. He criticized NIRA’s efforts, claiming that the agency’s actions are not legally grounded and do not align with the country’s constitution.
Governor Faisal Sheikh Ali also emphasized that anyone who participates in NIRA’s public registration and obtains a citizenship card through the agency will forfeit their fundamental rights and citizenship in Puntland. He warned that such individuals would face legal prosecution.
“The constitution that was once agreed upon by the Somali people is no longer in effect. A new, divisive constitution brought by NIRA has failed to unite Somalis, and now they are imposing registration without legal justification. Is this constitutional or not?” said Faisal Sheikh Ali, questioning the legitimacy of the federal program.
He further reiterated, “Anyone who participates in the NIRA registration process and obtains an identity card will lose their fundamental rights in Puntland.” Governor Faisal Sheikh Ali strongly cautioned the people of Galkayo against engaging in the registration program launched by the federal government’s NIRA.