Somalia Issues Maritime Regulations to Regulate Waters and Strengthen Maritime Security

Somalia has implemented a new shipping directive to regulate vessel movement in its territorial waters. The new regulation, reported by the state-owned media Somalia National News Agency (SONNA), requires vessels in Somali waters to fly the Somali flag and comply with Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport regulations. This directive aims to revive Somalia’s maritime sector and combat IUU fishing, which has cost the country an estimated $300 million annually due to exploitation.

The new maritime policy in Somalia coincides with geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa. Recent agreements between Ethiopia and Somaliland regarding port usage raise questions about the enforcement of Somalia’s directive in waters off Somaliland. Somalia has also entered into a defense and economic pact with Turkey to strengthen its navy’s capabilities and combat terrorism, piracy, and illegal activities along its coastline.

The increase in piracy incidents along Somalia’s coastline, including the recent hijacking of a commercial ship and the seizure of suicide drones in Puntland, underscores the need for enhanced maritime security measures. U.S. intelligence has warned of potential alliances between insurgent groups in the region, highlighting the importance of international efforts such as the European Union’s operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta to support Somalia in maintaining regional security.

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