Somalia Joins African Leaders in Push for Stronger Maritime Security Partnerships

GOOBJOOG NEWS | RABAT: Somalia has called for deeper cooperation among African navies to address maritime security threats, as senior naval commanders from across the continent gathered in Morocco for the Fourth African Maritime Forces Summit.

The week-long summit, which runs from July 20 to 24 in Rabat, has brought together representatives from more than 40 African countries and nearly 20 international partner nations under the theme “Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security.” Discussions are centred on combating piracy, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism, transnational crime and the growing role of technology in securing Africa’s waters.

Speaking at the summit, Somalia’s Navy and Coast Guard Commander, General Abdiwahab Abdullahi Omar, said the country had made progress in improving security along its coastline after years of international and domestic efforts to curb piracy and strengthen maritime law enforcement.

He said Somali authorities had stepped up measures against piracy, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and maritime threats linked to armed groups, while continuing to build the capacity of the Somali Navy.

Somalia’s 3,300-kilometre (2,050-mile) coastline, the longest on mainland Africa, overlooks some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The country’s maritime domain is increasingly viewed as strategically important, not only for regional security but also for global trade and the development of Somalia’s offshore resources.

Although piracy off Somalia’s coast has fallen sharply since its peak more than a decade ago, maritime security experts have warned of isolated attacks in recent years, while illegal fishing by foreign vessels remains a persistent concern for Somali authorities and coastal communities.

The summit comes as Somalia continues to expand cooperation with regional and international partners to strengthen its naval capabilities. In recent months, Mogadishu has deepened maritime and defence ties with countries including Turkey and Egypt, while international partners have continued to support efforts to improve maritime domain awareness and coast guard operations.

Organisers say this year’s summit aims to move beyond dialogue by promoting practical cooperation, information-sharing and the adoption of new technologies to improve maritime security across Africa. Participants are also expected to endorse a joint communiqué outlining shared commitments to strengthen coordination against piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing and other transnational maritime threats.