Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia has unveiled a cutting-edge, U.S.-backed biometric border control system designed to curb human trafficking, prevent irregular migration, and enhance international travel security.
The system—known as the Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System (PISCES)—will be fully operational at all major ports of entry, marking a significant step forward in the country’s broader border security and migration management reforms. The initiative is part of a growing civilian-focused partnership with the United States, complementing ongoing efforts in counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation.
The announcement came at the conclusion of a four-day technical training session in Mogadishu, led by U.S. experts and supported by the U.S. Embassy. The training equipped Somali immigration officers with skills to operate the PISCES platform, manage real-time traveler data, and detect identity fraud, watchlist hits, and suspicious movement patterns.
“This is not just about technology—it’s about protecting our citizens and rebuilding public trust,” said Mustafa Duhulow, Director General of Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA). “Thanks to U.S. support, Somalia is now using one of the world’s most advanced border systems to detect threats, stop trafficking, and manage migration with dignity and security.”
PISCES allows authorities to collect biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial scans—verify travel documents, and screen individuals against international watchlists in real time. Officials say the system greatly enhances Somalia’s ability to identify trafficking networks, intercept terror suspects, and monitor cross-border movement in the Horn of Africa.
The biometric rollout coincides with Somalia’s identity modernization efforts. The government has introduced a third-generation polycarbonate e-passport embedded with biometric chips and advanced anti-forgery features. A new e-Visa platform has also been launched, allowing foreign nationals to apply online and undergo pre-screening before entry.
“These upgrades mark Somalia’s entry into the global identity and mobility framework,” said DG Duhulow. “They benefit not only our citizens, but also our international partners who depend on secure and credible systems.”
The reforms align with Somalia’s national digital ID program, launched in 2023, which aims to integrate biometric identity data across government services. While there is no single public document titled the “2024 digital identity strategy,” the program operates under the framework of Somalia’s Data Protection Act of 2023, which safeguards personal data and biometric information while balancing national security priorities.
A Model for Regional Security
The deployment of PISCES at Aden Adde International Airport on June 30, 2025, represents more than a technological upgrade—it signals Somalia’s growing commitment to global security standards. A U.S. Embassy official described the system as a tool that “saves lives, stops crimes, and builds resilient institutions,” calling it a powerful example of what effective partnerships can achieve.
Located at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, Somalia has long been a target for trafficking, smuggling, and transnational threats. With the new system in place, Somali authorities aim to close critical gaps and respond to cross-border threats with speed and precision.
“This is a turning point,” said one U.S. official. “Somalia joins the international community in deploying one of the most effective border security platforms available today.”
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