Mogadishu Restores Birth and Marriage Certification Services After Decades , Addressing Historic Shortfalls.

The Mayor of Mogadishu and Governor of Banadir Region, Yusuf Hussein Jim’ale Madale, announced that the local government of Mogadishu (Hamar) is now offering essential civil services, including the registration of children born in hospitals, as well as marriage and divorce certificates. This marks a significant development after a 34-year hiatus in providing these critical services following fall of central government in 1992.

In his statement, Mayor Madale emphasized that the local government is dedicated to fulfilling its responsibilities and improving the availability of these services to the community. He urged local government officials to enhance their capacity to meet the needs of the residents.

Madale highlighted the importance of these documents, describing them as fundamental to family life and crucial for ensuring legal and social stability. “Family documents are vital from birth to death,” he stated. He also addressed the issue of neglected and homeless children, attributing some of these problems to the absence of formal marriage and divorce certificates.

The mayor stressed that a formal process for divorce and family documentation could prevent many issues, including the neglect of children. He pointed out that the absence of marriage and divorce records often leads to complications, such as the plight of homeless children.

The local government, he said, is also working to expand its services to better meet community needs. Some have suggested that, given the current economic conditions and specific circumstances, the costs associated with these services should be adjusted to be more affordable for the public.

This move to restore and improve civil documentation, he added, services reflects a commitment to enhancing administrative efficiency and providing critical support to families in Mogadishu.