Bosaso (WDN) –Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has officially established a new government body tasked with managing and verifying the identity of the region’s citizens. The announcement was made today through a presidential decree issued from Bosaso, where President Deni is currently based.

According to the decree, numbered Lr. 04 and dated April 9, 2025, the newly formed entity will be known as the Puntland Public Identity Agency (PID). The agency will be responsible for overseeing the recognition and registration of the people of Puntland, marking a significant step toward institutionalizing public identification systems in the region.

A robust identification system is essential for effective governance. Recognizing its critical importance, Puntland is prioritizing the establishment of a national identification system to enhance security and facilitate access to essential services, thereby promoting greater civic participation and social inclusion.

A statement from the Office of the President reads:

“The President of the Government of Puntland, Mr. Said Abdullahi Deni, has issued Presidential Decree Lr. 04 of April 9, 2025, on the establishment of the Puntland Public Identification Agency (PID).”

The creation of the PID comes in response to growing administrative needs, including population management, service delivery, and national security considerations. President Deni’s decision followed a formal recommendation by the Puntland Ministry of Interior, which emphasized the necessity of a centralized agency dedicated to identity recognition.

Analysts say the move reflects a broader trend across Somalia’s federal member states to build more robust governance institutions, particularly as regions seek to strengthen autonomy and improve civil registration processes. The PID is expected to play a key role in future planning, electoral processes, and the provision of government services.

WardheerNews