Is Mogadishu pushing Somalia toward centralization? NIRA’s Controversy and Puntland’s Resistance

The ongoing political tug-of-war between the Somali Federal Government in Mogadishu and the Federal Member States (FMS) is intensifying, with one of the most prominent battlegrounds being the issue of national identification.

The creation of a centralized identification system by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has sparked significant pushback from Puntland, Somalia’s most stable and functional Federal Member State.

This dispute has raised larger concerns over Somalia’s federal structure, the authority of Villa Somalia (the presidential office), and Puntland’s autonomy.

NIRA’s Centralized ID: A Threat to Federalism?
The crux of the issue lies in NIRA’s push for a unified, centralized identification system for all Somali citizens.

On the surface, it may seem like a necessary step toward modern governance, improving security, and enhancing national integration. However, Puntland sees it as a direct infringement on state rights, a key pillar of the federal structure that Somalia has sought to implement since the collapse of Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

Puntland believes that the creation of state-level identification systems is crucial to preserving the federal nature of Somalia’s governance.

Puntland, known for its self-sufficiency in security and governance, perceives the centralized ID project as a step towards re-centralization, akin to the previous dictatorship where Mogadishu controlled all aspects of the country’s affairs.

Puntland has already allowed the use of Somali passports, conceding to Villa Somalia’s control over foreign policy, military, currency, and passport issuance. However, this new attempt to control identification feels like overreaching a step too far.

Puntland’s Unique Position
Puntland occupies a unique position in Somalia’s federal system. Unlike Mogadishu, which still relies on African Union forces for peacekeeping and security, Puntland maintains its peace and security through its own forces. It is the only Federal Member State in Somalia with no foreign troops stationed on its soil, making it the most functionally autonomous entity in the country.

Given this autonomy, Puntland’s government has argued that a state-based identification system, tailored to the local context, would serve its people better than a one-size-fits-all centralized ID system dictated by Mogadishu.

The Puntland leadership sees the issue as more than a simple administrative disagreement; it is about protecting the hard-earned autonomy and the decentralized governance that the state has fought for since its founding in 1998.

Villa Somalia’s Centralization Agenda
Villa Somalia, however, appears intent on consolidating power. Critics argue that the national identification issue is just one element in a broader effort to bring all Somali territories under tighter centralized control. For Puntland, this recalls the era of Barre, where Mogadishu was the unchallenged seat of power, leading to widespread discontent and the eventual collapse of the Somali state.
The leadership in Puntland fears that by relinquishing control over state IDs, they would be giving Mogadishu yet another lever of power, further eroding the already fragile federal framework. Villa Somalia’s approach appears to many in Puntland as an attempt to roll back federalism entirely, which, if left unchecked, could undermine the entire federal system, putting Puntland’s existence as an autonomous state at risk.

Leadership and decisions in Puntland
Despite the clear challenges posed by Villa Somalia’s centralization agenda, many within Puntland society are frustrated with their own leadership’s indecisiveness. While there is widespread agreement that Mogadishu is overreaching, there is a perception that Puntland’s leaders are hesitant to take a strong stance against the federal government.

Some believe this reluctance stems from personal political ambitions; key figures in Puntland’s leadership may harbor aspirations to hold positions within Villa Somalia, making them wary of confrontation.

This hesitation, however, has come at a cost. The people of Puntland are growing increasingly frustrated, and the state’s economy and political stability are feeling the strain. There is a growing chorus within Puntland society demanding more decisive action. As one observer put it, “The time for half-measures is over; it’s time to put up or shut up.”

The Road Ahead: What Are Puntland’s Options?
If Mogadishu refuses to compromise on the national identification issue, Puntland’s leadership faces a crucial decision. Some within the state are calling for a stronger stance, including the possibility of rejecting NIRA’s centralized ID system outright. However, this could lead to heightened tensions with Villa Somalia, potentially destabilizing the already fragile relationship between the two governments.

Alternatively, Puntland could seek greater international support to pressure Mogadishu into respecting the federal system. The state has often looked to external partners like the United States, the European Union, and various donor countries to advocate for its position in Somalia’s complex political landscape. Such international involvement could help level the playing field and ensure that Villa Somalia doesn’t continue its centralizing policies unchecked.

Ultimately, Puntland’s future within Somalia’s federal system may hinge on its leadership’s willingness to assert its rights. Without a clear and decisive approach, Villa Somalia’s growing influence could gradually subsume the state, weakening its autonomy and undermining the principles of federalism that Puntland has long championed.

Conclusion: The dispute over the national identification system represents more than just a bureaucratic disagreement; it is a key indicator of the larger struggle for power between Mogadishu and the Federal Member States. Puntland, with its unique status and relative independence, finds itself at the center of this battle. As Villa Somalia pushes for more centralization, Puntland must decide whether to stand its ground or risk losing its autonomy. The people of Puntland are growing impatient, and the leadership must now choose between preserving their state’s hard-earned independence or bowing to the demands of a centralized government that increasingly resembles the old authoritarian regime they fought to escape.

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