Monrovia, June 24 -- Following a chaotic rollout and mounting public frustration, the Liberian government has indefinitely suspended its controversial compulsory national identification program.

The government announced the move in a press release from the Ministry of Information Monday.

"The National Identification Registry (NIR) informs all public social service providers to take note and act in compliance with this directive," it said. "At the same time, the issuance of the National Identification Cards is hereby suspended with immediate effect for administrative reasons. The public will be informed of the date of resumption of mass enrollment."

The announcement came less than a week after the government had extended the enrollment...