Sunday September 1, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia has introduced stringent new regulations that require all vessels entering its territorial waters to fly the Somali flag, a move aimed at tightening control over its coastline and curbing illegal activities. The regulations, announced by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), are part of a broader government strategy to enhance national security and assert sovereignty over its maritime domain.
Under the new rules, ships must notify local authorities and comply with guidelines set by the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport. These measures are designed to increase oversight and prevent unauthorized operations in Somali waters, which have long been plagued by piracy and illegal fishing.
The implementation of these regulations follows a recent 10-year security agreement between Somalia and Turkey. As part of the agreement, Turkey will assist Somalia in safeguarding its maritime borders, a partnership that is expected to significantly bolster Somalia's naval capabilities.
The Somali government is also working to nullify a controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland that grants Ethiopia access to Somali waters. Somalia considers this agreement a violation of its sovereignty and is taking steps to assert its territorial rights.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atskeselassie has emphasized the importance of securing maritime access for Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with a population of 110 million. This dispute highlights the broader regional implications of Somalia's new maritime policies and their potential impact on geopolitical stability in the Horn of Africa.
By enforcing these regulations, Somalia is making it clear that its territorial waters are not open to unregulated access. This decisive action underscores the government's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring the security of its maritime resources.