In an official statement issued by the Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Hosh, the federal government described Puntland’s move to issue its own identification card as both unlawful and politically irresponsible.

“The action taken by the President of Puntland to create another identity that undermines the national identity is both a legal mistake and a leadership mistake. It directly violates the country’s governance system,” the statement read.

This development follows Puntland’s official launch of a separate ID card system last week, under a new presidential decree issued by President Said Abdullahi Deni.

The move has sparked fresh tensions between the federal and Puntland administrations amid ongoing debates over decentralization, autonomy, and the future of Somalia’s federal model.

Somalia Federal Government Opposes New #Puntland ID Card, Citing National Identity Concerns#Mogadishu – The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly opposed the newly introduced Puntland ID card, arguing that it undermines the national identity and violates the country’s… pic.twitter.com/Q0oEAgYdx2

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) April 21, 2025

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