Responses to Information Requests

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

1. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Biometric Identity Card

According to an April 2017 article published by Cio Mag, a magazine on information technology in Africa (Cio Mag n.d.), a directive of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provides for [translation] “the particulars” of the ECOWAS biometric identity card that will be used as a multi-application national identity card (Cio Mag 2 Apr. 2017). Similarly, an October 2016 article published by the Senegalese News Agency (Agence de presse sénégalaise - APS), states that the head of the Logistics and Planning Division at the Electoral Operations Directorate of the Ministry of Interior of Senegal explained that [translation] “'the implementation of this chip biometric identity card comes from a decision by all of the member states of ECOWAS'” and that this means that all member states will have the same card (APS 1 Oct. 2016).

Sources report that the ECOWAS biometric identity card was introduced in Senegal on 4 October 2016 (UN 19 Dec. 2016, para. 10; Le Soleil 18 Nov. 2016; Agence de presse Xinhua 4 Oct. 2016). Sources state that Senegal is the first country in ECOWAS to adopt the biometric identity card (Sud Quotidien 26 July 2017; Khaleej Times 5 Nov. 2016; La Tribune Afrique 26 Oct. 2016).

Article 2 of Decree No. 2016-1536 of 29 September 2016 implementing Law No. 2016-09 of 14 March 2016 establishing an ECOWAS biometric identity card (Décret n^o 2016-1536 du 29 septembre 2016 portant application de la loi n^o 2016-09 du 14 mars 2016 instituant une carte d’identité biométrique CEDEAO) provides that the biometric identity card [translation] “serves as a voter’s card for citizens registered on the voters’ lists” (Senegal 2016a). Some articles state that the ECOWAS biometric identity card will serve as a Senegalese national identity card and voting card (Cio Mag 2 Apr. 2017), as well as a driver’s license, bank card or health record (carnet de santé) (La Tribune Afrique 26 Oct. 2016). According to Law No. 2016-09 of 14 March 2016 establishing an ECOWAS biometric identity card, the biometric identity card [translation] “will also serve as a travel document within ECOWAS territory” (Senegal 2016b). Law No. 2016-09 of 14 March 2016 establishing an ECOWAS biometric identity card provides the following:

[translation]

Article one. - An ECOWAS biometric identity card is hereby established from biometric data.

Art. 2. - This identity card is issued to Senegalese citizens.
It is mandatory for all citizens aged fifteen (15) and older and may be issued to any citizen at least five (5) years of age.

Art. 3. - This card is valid for a period of ten (10) years. At the end of that period, it must be renewed.

Art. 4. - The above-mentioned identity card is a multi-application smart card.
It may serve other purposes, following terms set out by decree.

Art. 5. - The issuance and renewal conditions of the card and the biometrics features and its effective date, as well as the expiry date of the former identity card are set out by decree.

Art. 6. - Provisions contrary to this law are repealed, especially those in Law No. 2005-28 of 6 September 2005 instituting the digitized Senegalese national identity card. (Senegal 2016b)

Media sources report in October 2017 that at the time of the [July 2017] elections, nearly five million ECOWAS identity cards had been produced (Le Soleil 7 Oct. 2017; Sud Quotidien 6 Oct. 2017).

1.1 Validity of Former Cards

Decree No. 2016-1536 of 29 September 2016 implementing Law No. 2016-09 of 14 March 2016 establishing an ECOWAS biometric identity card provides as follows:

[translation]

Art. 5. - The new ECOWAS biometric identity card becomes effective on its establishment.

The expiration date of the former digitized national identity card will be set by decree. (Senegal 2016a)

According to the first article of Decree No. 2017-1777 of 29 September extending the validity of the digitized national identity card (Décret n^o 2017-1777 du 29 septembre portant prorogation de l’exigibilité de la carte nationale d’identité numérisée), [translation] “the extension of the validity of digitized national identity cards initially set for 30 September 2017 is extended to 31 December 2017” (Senegal 2017). Sources explain that this extension was decided to enable Senegalese who have not yet obtained the new ECOWAS identity card to use their former card until the end of the year (Senegal 3 Nov. 2017; Xalima.com 2 Oct. 2017). During a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, a representative of the consular service at the Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa stated that [translation] “the new ECOWAS biometric identity card and the former digitized identity card are both accepted” in Senegal until the end of 2017 (Senegal 3 Nov. 2017).

1.2 Appearance, Information and Security Features

According to the article by APS in October 2016, the head of the Logistics and Planning Division at the Electoral Operations Directorate of the Ministry of Interior explained that the identity cards will be identical in terms of their [translation] “format, colour and manufacturing criteria” for the 15 member countries of ECOWAS and that “the only exceptions are the national flags and the names of the member states” (APS 1 Oct. 2016). Decree No. 2016-1536 of 29 September 2016 implementing Law No. 2016-09 of 14 March 2016 establishing an ECOWAS biometric identity card provides as follows:

[translation]

Article one. - The ECOWAS biometric identity card includes:

*on the front: aside from the ECOWAS logo, the flag of Senegal and two photographs, including the smaller ghost photograph on the right side:

• Republic of Senegal;
• ECOWAS card;
• ECOWAS IDENTITY CARD/BILHETE DE IDENTIDADE CEDEAO;
• Identity card number;
• First names;
• Last name;
• Date of birth;
• Place of birth;
• Sex;
• Date of issuance;
• Date of expiration;
• Address;
• Height (in cm);
• Registration centre;
• Signature of card holder.

The identity card number has seventeen (17) digits:

* 1 digit identifies the sex:

• 1 for male;
• 2 for female.

* 2 digits for the region code;

* 8 digits to indicate the date of birth, in the format of year/month/day;

* 5 digits generated automatically by the computer;

* 1 last check digit calculated by the computer.

* on the back: aside from “République du Sénégal” (Republic of Senegal), “Informations électorales” (Electoral Information), “Code pays,” (Country Code), the image of a ballot box, and security features:

1. For voters:
   
   • Voter number;
   • Region;
   • Department;
   • Arrondissement;
   • Commune;
   • Voting location;
   • Voting office;
   • National Identification Number (NIN).
2. For non-voters:
   
   • the mention “personne non inscrite sur le fichier électoral” (individual not enrolled on voters’ list);
   • National Identification Number (NIN).

Fingerprints are taken of applicant’s ten (10) fingers.

If a finger is not available, this is indicated on the instruction document.

The unavailability must be due to a permanent impairment.

The father’s given name and the given names and last name of the mother are registered on the electronic chip.

For unrecognized natural children, an asterisk replaces the given name of the father. (Senegal 2016a)

An article in November 2016 published by Khaleej Times, an English daily from the United Arab Emirates, states that according to the Chief Operating Officer of Iris, the manufacturer of the biometric identity cards in Senegal, the new identity cards have “laser-engraved personalisation of portrait and ghost images (front), as well as text (front and back)” (Khaleej Times 5 Nov. 2016).

According to an article in La Tribune Afrique, a monthly based in Rabat dedicated to economic news in Africa,

[translation]

[t]he biometric identity cards, more secure than the former ones according to the Senegalese government, will have a secure and invisible chip embedded. It will record the card holder’s biometric data, such as the given name and last name, sex, date and place of birth, address, height, eye colour, fingerprints and photograph. (La Tribune Afrique 26 Oct. 2016)

Similarly, an article published in November 2016 by Le Soleil, a Senegalese daily, states that according to the Director of the File Automation Directorate (Direction de l’automatisation des fichiers - DAF), responsible [translation] “for registration for the enrolment and establishment of the new ECOWAS biometric national identity card,” the biometrics associated with the cards makes it possible to “'identify individuals automatically through their fingerprints and photograph'” (Le Soleil 18 Nov. 2016).

Khaleej Times states that the card is made of fraud resistant polycarbonate and is “embedded with [a] contactless chip that incorporates advanced visual security features” (Khaleej Times 5 Nov. 2016). According to the same source, the card is “impossible to forge, unlawfully manipulate and delaminate” (Khaleej Times 5 Nov. 2016). Similarly, the article published in November 2016 by Le Soleil states that, according to the director of DAF, [translation] “'with this biometric card, no falsification is possible'” (Le Soleil 18 Nov. 2016).

A copy of the face of the Senegalese ECOWAS biometric identity card found on the Senegalese news site actuprime.com is attached to this Response (attachment). In correspondence with the Research Directorate, the representative from the consular service at the Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa confirmed that the copy of the face of the Senegalese ECOWAS biometric identity card found on the actuprime.com website is [translation] “in fact, an ECOWAS biometric identity card” and that it is also “the specimen that was distributed … in Senegal during the enrolment campaign” (Senegal 6 Nov. 2017).

2. Requirements and Procedure to Obtain an ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card
2.1 In Senegal

Articles 3 and 4 of Decree No. 2016-1536 of 29 September 2016 implementing Law No. 2016-09 of 14 March 2016 establishing an ECOWAS biometric identity card provide as follows:

[translation]

Art. 3. - The card is issued or renewed upon presentation of the following documents:

1. the former digitized national identity card or the digitized voter’s card accompanied by a photocopy.
2. For citizens who do not present the above-mentioned documents:
   
   • a birth certificate issued after one year;
   • proof of residence or any other document in lieu.

For requests for duplicates in case of loss, a certificate of loss and a revenue stamp of 10,000 francs CFA [approximately C$23] are required.

In case of duplicates, the former expiration date is extended.

Art. 4. - The application is submitted, to the prefects, subprefects, police commissioners or gendarmerie brigade commanders, within the jurisdiction of the affected administrative constituencies. These authorities are responsible for delivering the cards to the cardholder.

The application may also be carried out by the administrative commissions instituted for such by order of the prefects and subprefects. (Senegal 2016a)

According to the website of the State Informatics Agency (Agence de l’informatique de l’État - ADIE) of Senegal, the applications for national identity cards may be submitted [translation] “[t]o the police station, the gendarmerie brigade or the prefecture or subprefecture where the applicant lives,” and to the “voter’s lists enrolment administrative commissions instituted by order” (Senegal n.d.). The same source states the following:

[translation]

Who can obtain a national identity card?

Any Senegalese citizen, of at least five years of age, may apply for a national identity card.

For individuals between five and 15 years of age, the national identity card is not mandatory. It is, however, necessary for obtaining a passport.

The applicant’s physical presence is required both for applying for and collecting the national identity card.

What documents are required?

• the former national identity card or a birth certificate issued within three months or any document in lieu; the former ECOWAS passport, the new digitized ECOWAS passport;
• a fiscal stamp of 1,000 FCFA.

NB: During the revision period of the voters’ lists, the stamp or receipt is 500 FCFA within the country and in franc zone countries, 1 Euro in the Euro zone and US$1 for the rest of the world.

A citizen may present a former national identity card if it was established after 1979, or a birth certificate issued within five years.

NB: If in doubt about the applicant’s nationality, the individual must provide a certificate of nationality.

NB: Individuals wearing glasses must submit a prescription or medical certificate.

What is the issuing time?

Two weeks (variable time depending on the situation)

What is the procedure to renew a national identity card?

The national identity card is valid for 10 years.

To renew, submit:

• the former identity card (digitized);
• a receipt of 1,000 FCFA. (Senegal n.d., emphasis in original)

According to the same source, in the case of loss or theft, [translation] “the statement to the police or the gendarmerie is essential,” and a duplicate will be issued upon presentation of the following documents: a birth certificate issued within three months, a certificate of loss and a receipt of 6,000 FCFA (Senegal n.d.).

An article published by Sud Quotidien in July 2017 states that the ECOWAS biometric identity card [translation] “is free of charge for the first six months, to a maximum of one year, and that a fee of 10,000 C[FA]” must be paid for enrolments after that time period (Sud Quotidien 26 July 2017). According to the same source, the Minister of Interior and of Public Safety announced on 6 December 2016 that [translation] “'[e]ven after the expiration of the free six-month timeframe set by the state, Senegalese citizens will not pay 10,000 F[rancs] C[FA] to obtain the [ECOWAS] biometric national identity card'” (Sud Quotidien 26 July 2017). Similarly, according to Géopolis Afrique, a news site on Africa operated by France Télévisions, a French public television group (France Télévisions n.d.), when the ECOWAS biometric identity card was launched, Senegalese citizens [translation] “had only six months to renew their card before having to pay 10,000 francs CFA,” but because of “difficulties,” “the government decided to extend the free service” (Géopolis Afrique 16 July 2017).

Sources report the inadequacy of the commissions implemented for the enrolment to obtain the ECOWAS biometric identity card in Senegal (WalFadjri 18 June 2017; Sud Quotidien 16 July 2017), and a [translation] “registration pace that is too slow” (Sud Quotidien 26 July 2017). The July 2017 article published by Sud Quotidien states that according to DAF, it is a [translation] “modest delay” (Sud Quotidien 26 July 2017). Similarly, according to an article published in October 2016 on the Equatorial Guinea JournaldeMalabo.com news website, the issuance of the ECOWAS national identity card in Senegal is accompanied by [translation] “wait times” (JournaldeMalabo.com 24 Oct. 2016). Sud Quotidien reports [translation] “setbacks in the card distribution” by reason of problems related to the card’s collection (Sud Quotidien 26 July 2017). Similarly, according to an article published in March 2017 on SeneNews.com, a news website in Senegal, [translation] “[t]housands of Senegalese … are having difficulty collecting the new biometric identity card” (SeneNews.com 23 Mar. 2017). According to a June 2017 article published in the Senegalese newspaper WalFadjri, [translation] “many” Senegalese have “noted errors on their card” (WalFadjri 18 June 2017). An article published in October 2016 by Sud Quotidien states that according to the DAF Director, [translation] “some citizens are receiving two cards. However, note that these two cards contain the same information. … The system guarantees that no citizen may have two cards with two different identities” (Sud Quotidien 6 Oct. 2017).

2.2 From Abroad

Cio Mag reports the statements of the President of the Republic of Senegal, in that Senegalese citizens from the diaspora may be issued the new biometric identity card from a [translation] “commission [that is] crossing the various countries” (Cio Mag 2 Apr. 2017). An October 2017 article published by Le Soleil states that, according to the Director of DAF, [translation] “later” Senegalese citizens will be able to go to consulates abroad for the issuance of their ECOWAS biometric identity card, and that “teams have already been sent to certain consulates like [in] Paris, Madrid, Milan, New York, Casablanca and Djeddah” (Le Soleil 7 Oct. 2017).

The representative of the consular service at the Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa explained during the telephone interview that Senegalese citizens in Canada were able to submit applications for ECOWAS identity cards to a Senegalese settlement mission that came to Canada in March and April 2017 (Senegal 3 Nov. 2017). According to the same source, between March and April 2017, this mission received the applications for ECOWAS identity cards at the Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa and in Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Moncton (Senegal 3 Nov. 2017). The representative explained that the applications had to be submitted in person, that the data gathered was then sent to Dakar, where the cards were manufactured, and that they were then returned to the embassy for distribution (Senegal 3 Nov. 2017). The same source stated that the documents required were [translation] “the same as those required in Senegal” and that the card was free (Senegal 3 Nov. 2017).

The website of the Consulate of Senegal in Paris states that as of 18 September 2017, [translation] “any Senegalese national living in the hexagon or in neighbouring countries may apply for an ECOWAS biometric national identity card at the Consulate General of Senegal in Paris” (Senegal 21 Sept. 2017). According to the same source, the documents required for nationals who have a digital identity card are the digital identity card and proof of address (Senegal 21 Sept. 2017). If the individual has no digitized or biometric identity card, they may present, if born in Senegal, a birth certificate issued within 12 months, a certificate of nationality and proof of address, or, if born in France or another foreign country, a birth certificate issued within 12 months, a Senegalese identity document or a valid passport of the father or mother, and proof of address (Senegal 21 Sept. 2017). According to the website of the Consulate of Senegal in Paris, to obtain a duplicate in case of loss of the card, a certificate of loss issued by the police in the place of residence must be presented, along with a birth certificate issued within 12 months, and an application fee of 10 Euros [approximately C$15] must be paid (Senegal 21 Sept. 2017).

According to a 20 September 2017 publication on the website of the Consulate General of Senegal in Paris, it is now possible to pick up ECOWAS identity cards without appointment from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday (Senegal 20 Sept. 2017). The same source states that to collect the card, the receipt must be presented along with an identification document or a residence permit (titre de séjour), and that to collect a card for a family member or friend, the individual must present [translation] “a power of attorney, the receipt and their own identification document or residence permit (titre de séjour)” (Senegal 20 Sept. 2017).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Agence de presse Xinhua. 4 October 2016. “Sénégal : Macky Sall lance officiellement la carte nationale d’identité biométrique de la CEDEAO.” (Factiva) [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017]

Agence de presse sénégalaise (APS). 1 October 2016. “Carte d’identité biométrique : les Sénégalais invités à remplir les formalités.” (Factiva) [Accessed 27 Oct. 2017]

Cio Mag. 2 April 2017. “Carte nationale d’identité : la durée de validité prorogée jusqu’au 30 juin au Sénégal.” [Accessed 7 Nov. 2017]

Cio Mag. N.d. “Cio Mag, la référence pour les IT managers africains.” [Accessed 14 Nov. 2017]

France Télévisions. N.d. “Missions.” [Accessed 15 Nov. 2017]

Géopolis Afrique. 16 July 2017. Charles Bonnaire. “Sénégal : des cartes d’identité biométrique à usage multiples.” [Accessed 27 Oct. 2017]

JournaldeMalabo.com. 24 October 2016. “Un document à multiples usages : pièce d’identité nationale, carte d’électeur. Il devrait aussi permettre de circuler plus facilement dans la zone Cédéao.” (Factiva) [Accessed 27 Oct. 2017]

Khaleej Times. 5 November 2016. “United Kingdom: Senegal Selects IRIS to Implement First ECOWAS Biometrics eID with Voter Card for Citizens.” (Factiva) [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017]

Senegal. 6 November 2017. Embassy of Senegal in Canada. Correspondence sent to the Research Directorate by a representative of the consular service.

Senegal. 3 November 2017. Embassy of Senegal in Canada. Telephone interview with a representative of the consular service. 

Senegal. 21 September 2017. Consulate General of Senegal in Paris. “Demande de carte d’identité biométrique CEDEAO.” [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]

Senegal. 20 September 2017. Consulate General of Senegal in Paris. “Retirer votre carte d’identité biométrique CEDEAO.” [Accessed 15 Nov. 2017]

Senegal. 2017. Décret no 2017-1777 du 29 septembre 2017 portant prorogation de l’exigibilité de la carte nationale d’identité numérisée. [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]

Senegal. 2016a. Décret no 2015-1536 du 29 septembre 2016 portant application de la loi no 2016-09 du 14 mars 2016 instituant une carte d’identité biométrique CEDEAO. [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]

Senegal. 2016b. Loi no 2016-09 du 14 mars 2016 instituant une carte d’identité biométrique CEDEAO. [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]

Senegal. N.d. Agence de l’informatique de l’État (ADIE). “Demander une carte nationale d’identité.” [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017]

SeneNews.com. 23 March 2017. “Retrait des cartes d’identité biométriques : c’est la pagaille à la DAF.” [Accessed 7 Nov. 2017]

Le Soleil. 7 October 2017. O. Ba. “Carte d’identité biométrique : l’enrôlement se poursuit dans les commissariats.” [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]

Le Soleil. 18 November 2016. “Confection de la carte biométrique : les assurances du directeur de la DAF.” [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017]

Sud Quotidien. 6 October 2017. Fatou Ndiaya. “Installation de Commissions d’inscription des cartes nationales d’identité dans les commissariats de police et brigades de gendarme - L’État cible les mineurs.” (Factiva) [Accessed 27 Oct. 2017]

Sud Quotidien. 26 July 2017. Marianne Dhigo and Seynabou Bop. “Chronique d’une refonte partielle forcée du fichier électoral.” [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]

La Tribune Afrique. 26 October 2016. Ibrahima Bayo Jr. “CEDAO : les Sénégalais, premiers bénéficiaires de la carte d’identité biométrique.” [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017]

United Nations (UN). 19 December 2016. Security Council. Rapport du Secrétaire général sur les activités du Bureau des Nations Unies pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et le Sahel. S/2016/072. [Accessed 3 Nov. 2017]

WalFadjri. 18 June 2017. “Carte d’identité biométrique : 50 milliards de problèmes.” (Factiva) [Accessed 7 Nov. 2017]

Xalima.com. 2 October 2017. “La validité des anciennes cartes d’identité prolongée jusqu’en fin décembre.” [Accessed 2 Nov. 2017]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Senegal – Embassy in Washington, Consulate in Montreal.

Internet sites, including: ecoi.net; Economic Community of West African States; EU – Public Register of Authentic Travel and Identity Documents Online; Keesing Reference Systems; laviesénégalaise.com; Leral.net; Senegal – Consulate General in Madrid, Consulate General in New York, Embassy in Brussels, government portal of Senegal, ministère de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité publique, ministère des Affaires étrangères et des Sénégalais de l’extérieur, Observatoire sur les systèmes d’information, les réseaux et les inforoutes au Sénégal.

Attachment

Actuprime.com. 2 November 2016. “Copie du recto d’une carte d’identité biométrique de la CEDEAO au Sénégal.” [Accessed 15 Nov. 2017]