
Monday January 13, 2025

A National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) employee showcases the new Somali national identity card, part of the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its identification system. Credit: NIRA Somalia
Mogadishu (HOL) — The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking private vendors to help operate and maintain Somalia’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).
The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division issued a Request for Information (RFI) to find qualified contractors to help maintain and operate the ABIS, housed in a secure facility at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. ABIS allows the Somali Police Force (SPF) to identify individuals involved in criminal activities or terrorism by using advanced biometric technology.
With a capacity to hold two million ten-print records and 50,000 latent records, ABIS plays a vital role in supporting the SPF’s investigations. Since its launch, the system has provided critical biometric tools for tracking suspects, including remote enrollment capabilities and a backup server for enhanced security.
The RFI calls for vendors to deliver end-to-end support, including on-site assistance, software and hardware maintenance, and quarterly training for SPF personnel. Vendors must demonstrate the ability to deploy and maintain the necessary hardware, including fingerprint scanners, document scanners, and enrollment software. The successful contractors will also be tasked with integrating ABIS with other biometric databases for streamlined operations.
The project is part of the steps taken by the Federal Government of Somalia to modernize its security systems and effectively manage security challenges. For over three decades, Somalia lacked a centralized identification system, hindering effective governance and service delivery.
Implementing a biometric ID system addresses longstanding challenges in identity verification, which have been particularly problematic for marginalized communities, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and minority groups.
The Somali government has collaborated with international partners, including the World Bank and the United Nations, to develop and implement the biometric ID system.
The introduction of a national biometric digital ID system is expected to enhance Somalia’s financial inclusion and streamline banking practices. Through a partnership with the Somali Bankers Association (SBA), the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) aims to reduce financial risks, including fraud and money laundering, while improving Somalia’s banking relations with the international community. The system will also allow Somali citizens to access banking services more securely, further integrating the country’s financial infrastructure with global standards.
The Somali government sees the national ID system as a key tool in combating identity fraud and strengthening national security, especially in the fight against al-Shabab. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stressed the system’s importance in supporting counterterrorism efforts and providing Somali citizens with better access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
However, the involvement of the FBI in supporting the implementation and maintenance of Somalia’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) raises privacy concerns for citizens. Key issues include the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive personal data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition information, which could lead to identity theft, surveillance, or misuse.
Somalia has an ambitious plan to issue 15 million biometric IDs ahead of the 2026 national elections.
While the FBI’s role in supporting the implementation of the biometric identification system aims to enhance security, there are concerns about the potential for data sharing without explicit consent from Somali citizens. The lack of transparency around how biometric data will be used or shared and the absence of comprehensive regulatory oversight could contribute to uncertainty and raise privacy concerns among the population.
The deadline for RFI submissions is January 24, 2025, and vendors are required to follow detailed guidelines when submitting their proposals.