Somalia Says Hijacking of Defense Vessel Threatens National Security, Federal Stability

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has condemned the hijacking of a defense and commercial vessel bound for Mogadishu, calling it a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty and a dangerous violation of constitutional order that threatens national security and regional stability.

The vessel, SEA WORLD, registered under the Comoros flag, was carrying military equipment and commercial goods under a bilateral defense agreement between Somalia and Turkey. It was en route to the TÜRKSOM Military Training Centre in Mogadishu when it was intercepted by actors linked to Puntland State.

The government described the operation as “unlawful and unauthorized,” warning that such actions undermine the unity and legal framework of the Federal Republic.

“This hijacking is not only a breach of international law, it is an attack on Somalia’s sovereignty, national security, and the constitutional foundations of the federal state,” read a statement issued by the Ministry of Information.

“It jeopardizes the safety of legitimate maritime operations and poses a dangerous precedent for armed interference in national defense matters,” the statement adds.

The Federal Government says the incident violates Article 54 of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, which reserves control over national defense and territorial waters exclusively to the central government.

Officials warned that Puntland’s unilateral seizure of the vessel constitutes a constitutional breach and risks inflaming tensions at a time when Somalia is making strides in institutional rebuilding and national integration.

The SEA WORLD was transporting defense cargo legally authorized under the Somalia–Turkey security partnership, alongside goods belonging to Somali merchants.

The government noted that disrupting such missions not only endangers joint security operations but also threatens commercial supply chains, trade confidence, and Somalia’s strategic partnerships.

“The cargo aboard the vessel included military supplies essential to the ongoing fight against terrorism, and commercial goods supporting the livelihoods of Somali traders,” the government said. “Its unlawful detention obstructs national defense efforts and damages economic recovery.”

Citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the government said the seizure of the vessel amounts to an act of piracy and criminal interference under international law and Somalia’s penal code.

The Federal Government issued an urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of the vessel and its contents, and warned that any further unauthorized maritime actions would compel it to take lawful measures to safeguard its coastal security.

It also called on Puntland to cease unilateral operations and reaffirmed that any breach of constitutional authority would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The Somali people will not accept violations that endanger our unity or weaken the rule of law,” the statement said, urging all Federal Member States to uphold their constitutional responsibilities. “This incident is a reminder of the need for strong federal cooperation, not fragmentation.”

The government emphasized its ongoing efforts to build a professional, unified defense infrastructure and secure international shipping corridors. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national sovereignty, ensuring constitutional order, and preventing Somalia’s coastline from being exploited by criminal actors or sub-national authorities operating outside federal law.