THE ROLE OF CIVIL REGISTRATION IN ENHANCING NATIONAL SECURITY AND STABILITY IN SOMALIA

Abshir Moalin Mohamed

Abshir Moalin Mohamed Coalition for Peace-building and Empowerment (COPE)

Keywords: Civil registration, national security, stability, Somalia

Abstract

Review Paper

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37458/ssj.6.2.8

This research explores the critical role that civil registration plays in strengthening Somalia’s security architecture and contributing to broader national stability. Grounded in governance theory, the study emphasizes the necessity of accurate and reliable civil registration systems to verify identity, enhance accountability, and facilitate the effective delivery of essential public services that support state-building efforts. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys involving key stakeholders, including government officials, NGO representatives, and community leaders. The findings reveal a strong consensus on the importance of civil registration: 90% of respondents agree that it helps prevent fraud, while 85% highlight the need to improve identity-verification mechanisms. Despite this broad recognition, significant challenges remain, with 85% citing insecurity as the primary barrier to implementing an effective civil registration system. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between civil registration, governance, and security in Somalia. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address existing obstacles and to strengthen civil registration procedures as a foundation for long-term institutional stability and national resilience.

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