Nearly ten years later, national identity cards will finally be renewed. They have not been renewed since 2015 following the termination of a contract with a Belgian provider responsible for production. This time, the government has promised a new kind of electronic national identity card, more secure than before. Thursday, March 28th, the Minister of Interior announced that authorities were ready to resume the process starting from April 3rd.
“It is a highly secure card,” promised Hermann Immongault, the Minister of Interior. He explained that it would be equipped with a chip storing each individual’s digital identity and a unique fourteen-character Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The campaign will begin with the production of this PIN. Authorities will start enrolling Gabonese and foreigners residing in Libreville and its surroundings, where twelve centers will cater to those aged 16 and above who have never undergone biometric registration. Those who have already done so will receive a certificate.
Mobile Sites
Mobile sites will also be deployed in hospitals and for the disabled. “Once more than 50% of the PINs have been distributed, the campaign should gradually extend to the rest of the country and abroad,” stated a reliable source, adding that physical cards could be requested in approximately two months.
The Directorate of Documentation and Immigration, already responsible for passports and residence cards, will handle production. To enhance security, the ministry will be assisted by the National Agency for Digital Infrastructure and Frequencies.
Access to Everyday Services
It is worth noting that the PIN will enable individuals to prove their identity and access several online services related to everyday life, although the specific details are still under discussion.