In a significant step toward enhancing maritime security in the Horn of Africa, Admiral Kadar Mohamed, Deputy Commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard, met with Admiral Roy A. Echeverri, Commander of the Philippine Navy, in Manila on 22nd May, 2025. The high-level meeting focused on fostering maritime cooperation and establishing a naval partnership between the two nations.
The discussions come at a critical time for Somaliland seeking to bolster its maritime defenses amid ongoing regional challenges, including piracy threats in the strategic waters of the Horn of Africa. The region, encompassing key trade routes like the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, has historically been a hotspot for maritime piracy, though incidents have decreased since their peak in the late 2000s due to international efforts.
Somaliland’s Coast Guard, established in 1995, has been modernizing its capabilities, recently acquiring Defender-class boats from Italy and Sweden. The Somaliland Maritime Security Coordination Office, set up in 2023, plays a key role in coordinating such international collaborations. Admiral Mohamed emphasized the importance of partnerships to enhance maritime safety, security, and emergency response in Somaliland’s waters.
Admiral Echeverri, a seasoned officer from the Philippine Military Academy’s “SAMBISIG” Class of 1991, brings extensive expertise in naval operations, including surface and special warfare. The Philippine Navy, aiming to be a modern and multi-capable force by 2028, is well-positioned to share technical and strategic knowledge with Somaliland, potentially aiding in the development of its maritime defense plans.
This meeting underscores Somaliland’s growing efforts to secure international support for its maritime security initiatives, despite its lack of formal recognition as a sovereign state. For the Philippines, the partnership aligns with broader regional interests in ensuring safe and secure maritime corridors vital for global trade.
The collaboration is expected to pave the way for joint training, information sharing, and coordinated efforts to address maritime challenges in the Horn of Africa, a region critical to international shipping and geopolitical stability.