In a strategic push to safeguard its vital coastline, the Director General of Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan, officially opened a three-month maritime security conference on Sunday.
Organized by the Ministry’s Maritime Security Office in partnership with the European Union’s EUCAP mission, the gathering brought together government institutions, local stakeholders, and international partners to strengthen coordination and preparedness along one of the world’s most strategically important sea lanes.
Hassan stressed that enhancing maritime security and closely monitoring emerging threats has become a critical national duty. He highlighted the Republic’s extensive coastline as a backbone for global and regional trade, particularly in the Horn of Africa.
“Securing our shores is not only essential for Somaliland but plays a significant role for the international community,” he said, directing the Maritime Security Office to maintain regular analytical meetings to ensure comprehensive coastal protection. He commended the office’s leadership, staff, and partners for their dedicated service to the nation.
Mohamed Aden Hussein (Tukaale), Director of the Maritime Security Office, outlined the conference objectives: reviewing the past three months of maritime security data, discussing strategic priorities, and gathering input from all relevant government bodies and stakeholders. He emphasized that in today’s rapidly changing global environment, continuous consultation is indispensable.
The newly appointed head of EUCAP’s Somaliland office, Artsi Allane, described the meeting as a key platform for evaluating and reinforcing maritime security. He focused on practical measures to protect vessels transiting Somaliland’s waters and improve verification routes.
Deputy Director Yahye Mohamed delivered a detailed report on recent developments. He noted shifts in global trade routes following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and pointed to growing international interest in Somaliland’s ports—especially after Saudi Arabia added the Port of Berbera to its network with plans for deeper integration.
While no major immediate threats were identified along Somaliland’s coasts, Yahye stressed the need for proactive readiness against fast-evolving changes in sea lanes and global commerce.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on current maritime security challenges and the draft Somaliland Maritime Law, which still requires completion of the legislative process. Attendees included representatives from the ministries of Fisheries, Commerce, Finance, Environment and Climate Change, the Attorney General’s Office, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the police, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Taiwan Office in Somaliland.
The conference underscores Somaliland’s proactive stance in securing its waters at a time when Red Sea and Gulf of Aden dynamics continue to draw global attention.