HARGEISA, Somaliland — (Horn post) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland has convened a high-level Quarterly Somaliland Maritime Security Coordination Meeting aimed at strengthening maritime governance, security coordination, and sustainable blue economy development across the country’s strategic coastline.
The meeting, organized through the Somaliland Maritime Security Coordination Office (MSCO), was held on Saturday at the Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa, bringing together senior officials from government institutions, maritime security agencies, law enforcement bodies, and international partners.
Rising Maritime Security Concerns in the Red Sea Region
During the session, the MSCO presented its Quarterly Maritime Security Situation Report, highlighting an increasingly complex security environment across Somaliland’s maritime domain and the wider Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridor.
Officials discussed growing regional challenges, including:
- Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea region
- Renewed piracy activity in neighboring Somali waters
- Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
- Transnational maritime crime affecting trade and navigation
- Smuggling and human trafficking networks operating across sea routes
Participants warned that these threats could undermine maritime stability, economic activity, and regional security if not addressed through coordinated action.
National Maritime Security Priorities Agreed
Following extensive deliberations, participants agreed on a set of national priorities designed to strengthen Somaliland’s maritime security framework:
- Development of a comprehensive National Maritime Security Strategy
- Fast-tracking the establishment of the Somaliland Maritime Authority
- Enhancing inter-agency cooperation and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Accelerating implementation of maritime laws and regulatory frameworks
- Strengthening institutional capacity through training and technical support
- Promoting a sustainable Blue Economy and marine resource development
- Expanding national and international cooperation to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime crime
Commitment to Regional Stability and Maritime Protection
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all participating institutions to work together in safeguarding Somaliland’s maritime territory, protecting marine resources, ensuring safe navigation, and contributing to broader regional peace and security.
Officials emphasized that effective maritime coordination is critical given the strategic importance of Somaliland’s coastline within the Horn of Africa maritime corridor, a region increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition and evolving security risks.
The Ministry said the outcomes of the meeting represent a continued effort to strengthen governance and long-term maritime resilience.
Prepared By
Horn Post Staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
