Somali MP Challenges President’s Remarks on Al-Shabaab Registration For ID Cards

Somalia, 26 November 2025 - Somali lawmaker Hassan Abdi, has criticised President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Tuesday comments in which he dared Al-Shabaab members to register for national identification cards, warning that such a remarks  risks undermining national security.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament on Wednesday, Abdi, member of the House of the People, said militant groups, including Al-Shabaab, ISIS and Al-Qaeda, have a history of exploiting state systems and disguising themselves as civilians or security personnel to carry out attacks on government institutions and public spaces.

He warned that granting official identification to individuals linked to extremist groups could legitimise their movement and expand their operational reach.

“If terrorists like Al-Shabaab and  ISIS are given rights, then I  believe the President is deliberately preparing  the country to come under the control of terrorists,” Hassan Abdi said.