Somalia Releases 33 Iranian Fishermen

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Somalia has released 33 Iranian fishermen and sailors who had been imprisoned in the country for conducting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing within Somali waters.

Iran’s ambassador to Kenya and Somalia Ali Gholampour on Sunday said the move is expected to pave way for renewed diplomatic efforts and dialogue between the two nations, disrupted since 2016 following Somalia’s accusations of Iranian interference in its domestic affairs.

These developments follow Somalia’s intensified crackdown on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Last year, the Somali Attorney General’s Office charged 36 foreign nationals—including the 33 Iranian fishermen—for illegal fishing activities, reflecting the nation’s stern approach to safeguarding its marine resources.

They were convicted by a Banadir court and received hefty fines exceeding $10,000. They unsuccessfully appealed their conviction last July.

The release of the Iranian fishermen is seen not only as a gesture of goodwill but also as a step towards addressing the complex issues surrounding fishing rights and maritime boundaries.

Ambassador Gholampour proposed drafting a fishery cooperation agreement between Iran and Somalia to prevent a repeat of this incident.

Additional reporting by agencises.