Somalia has unveiled a set of maritime regulations aimed at asserting control over its coastline and curbing illegal activities, according to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA).
The new rules mandate that all vessels entering or operating in Somali territorial waters must fly the Somali flag, a move intended to enhance oversight and bolster national security. Under these regulations, ships must notify local authorities and adhere to guidelines established by the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and other unauthorized operations that have long plagued Somali waters.
In addition to implementing these new regulations, the Somali government is actively challenging a controversial agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland. This deal, which grants Ethiopia access to Somali waters, is viewed by Somali officials as a violation of their sovereignty. The Somali government is working to nullify this agreement, asserting its territorial rights over its maritime domain.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atskeselassie has defended the agreement, emphasizing the importance of maritime access for Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with a population of 110 million. This ongoing dispute underscores 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 new directives, Somalia aims to reclaim control over its waters, improve vessel identification, and enhance the protection of its maritime resources.
