Somali Cabinet Approves Third-Generation Polycarbonate E-Passport and Reviews Performance Reports

MOGADISHU — The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia held its weekly meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, with discussions centred on the country’s security situation, economic development, and the progress of the third-generation Somali passport (Polycarbonate E-Passport) production process, alongside the presentation of ministerial performance reports for the first and second quarters of the year.

The Cabinet received a detailed briefing from the Ministry of Internal Security on the new passport system, which is expected to facilitate international travel for Somali citizens, streamline the passport issuance process, and modernise the country’s travel documentation. The ministry confirmed that all unauthorised alterations to personal data in the passport system have been stopped to ensure the integrity and reputation of the Somali passport.

The Federal Government has previously launched a global tender to modernise the national passport system, seeking qualified firms to design and supply a new polycarbonate e-passport equipped with biometric features. The initiative aims to replace the existing paper-based document with a more secure and durable format, reduce forgery risks, streamline verification processes, and align Somalia with international aviation and border control standards.

Ministerial Performance and E-Cabinet System

The Cabinet also reviewed the Q1 and Q2 Ministerial Performance reports, assessing the progress made by various ministries in implementing their mandates and achieving the government’s development priorities. The ministers were also briefed on the development of the E-Cabinet System, a digital platform aimed at modernising the Council’s operations and improving the efficiency of decision-making processes. The system is part of the government’s broader push to digitise public services and enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

Somalia has prioritised aligning its third-generation passports with East African Community standards, a move seen as critical for facilitating travel, trade, and mobility across member states. The country formally became the eighth member of the EAC in March 2024, and harmonising passport standards is a key step in meeting technical requirements and strengthening its role within the regional framework.

Prime Minister’s Report on North Eastern State Visit and Galmudug Elections

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre briefed the Cabinet on his recent visit to the North Eastern State, where he took part in celebrations marking the first anniversary of the administration’s establishment and oversaw the launch of government development and public service initiatives in the region. He praised the unity and cooperation between the people and the regional administration, and commended the successful one-person, one-vote elections in Galmudug, describing them as a significant step toward democratic governance in the country.

The Prime Minister also urged ministers and senior government officials to travel on Somali passports to uphold the dignity and respect of their positions, commending Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji for his recent decision to return his foreign passport. Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji surrendered his Kenyan passport on August 3, 2026, becoming the first senior official to comply with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s directive requiring ministers and senior officials to relinquish foreign travel documents or leave office. The move followed a diplomatic incident in June 2026 when Haji was denied entry and deported from Kenya over a passport dispute.

The Cabinet meeting came at a critical moment for Somalia, with Galmudug voters heading to the polls in historic one-person, one-vote elections, marking a significant step toward democratic governance in the region. The Prime Minister’s participation in the North Eastern State anniversary celebrations and his engagement with regional leaders underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening federalism and promoting inclusive governance.

Cabinet Approves Product Origin Bill and Judicial Appointment Amendment

The Council of Ministers also approved the Product Origin Bill, submitted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, by a majority vote. The legislation is expected to regulate the origin of goods, protect local industries, and promote transparency in trade.

In a separate decision, the Cabinet made an amendment to the appointment of a member of the Judicial Service Council, following a proposal from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The amendment replaces Ali Macalin with legal expert Aadan Kuuloow Macalin Qaasim.

Critical Note

While the Cabinet’s approval of the third-generation passport and the review of ministerial performance reports represent steps toward modernising state institutions and improving governance, the gap between policy announcements and implementation remains a persistent challenge. The transition to a biometric e-passport, while a welcome development, will require significant investment in infrastructure, technical expertise, and public awareness to ensure that the new system is accessible to all citizens, including those in remote areas and the diaspora.

The government’s commitment to digitising Cabinet operations through the E-Cabinet System is also a positive move, but its success will depend on the willingness of ministers to embrace digital tools and the availability of reliable internet connectivity across the country. Furthermore, the Prime Minister’s call for officials to travel on Somali passports, while symbolically important, raises practical questions about the passport’s current international recognition and the challenges Somali citizens continue to face at foreign entry points.

The Product Origin Bill, while aimed at protecting local industries, must be accompanied by measures to support domestic producers and ensure that the regulatory framework does not inadvertently stifle trade or create opportunities for corruption. The government would be well advised to ensure that these initiatives are backed by adequate resources, clear implementation plans, and robust monitoring mechanisms to translate policy commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Somalis.