Somalia Confirms Data Breach in Newly Launched E-TAS System
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency confirmed on Sunday that personal data belonging to some travelers who used the country’s recently launched Electronic Travel Authorization System (E-TAS) was exposed following a security breach.
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In an official statement the agency said the platform had been hit by an “unauthorized and illegal intrusion,” prompting immediate suspension of the system while authorities work to limit the impact.
Immediate response
Government officials said they have set up a national investigative committee to probe the incident. The panel, the statement said, includes national security agencies, international forensic specialists and the government bodies charged with data protection.
- The E-TAS platform has been taken offline pending the outcome of the inquiry.
- An investigation has been opened to determine the scope of the compromise and identify affected users.
- Authorities pledged to publish a full report with verified findings and corrective measures after the probe is complete.
The agency added that “the government of Somalia has given this matter exceptional priority” and said it regretted the incident, stressing that the protection of personal data and national services remains a top priority.
Regional context
The announcement follows an unrelated disclosure earlier this week by the U.S. government about a breach affecting data belonging to tens of thousands of travelers, including Somalis and foreign nationals. That disclosure drew heightened attention and discussion on Somali social media in recent days.
Officials did not provide additional technical details about how the intrusion occurred, how many records were affected, or whether any stolen data had been published or shared. They said those matters will be addressed in the formal investigation and the forthcoming report.
For now, travelers who recently applied through E-TAS and those planning travel to Somalia are advised to follow updates from the Immigration and Citizenship Agency and exercise caution with any communications that request personal information or payment related to travel authorizations.
AXADLETM
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
