Somaliland Calls For Regional Cooperation To Address Emerging Maritime Security Challenges In Red Sea And Gulf Of Aden

Hargeisa,November 30,2023(Haatufonline)- The government of Somaliland has called on countries located along the southern entrance of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for greater action and cooperation to address rising maritime security threats in the region.
A statement by the Somaliland Ministry of Interior on recent
maritime incidents threatening the safety of shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden routes said : ‘The government of the Republic of Somaliland closely follows the heightened security tension in the southern entrance of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.We are in particular gravely concerned about the impact that this situation will have on the economy and livelihoods in Somaliland as international insurance industry sources have already indicated that they expected premiums for shipping to the area to rise.
We therefore urge countries located along the above waterway, which is vital to regional & international trade,to come together to cement an understanding that is sufficient enough to ensure peace and maritime security and safety at the southern Red Sea & Gulf of Aden.
Taking no action is not an option since recent incidents have also raised the prospect of resurgence of piracy coming from the shores of neighbouring Somalia,especially from its region of Puntland which has until recent past been the heartland of piracy activities in the Indian Ocean & Gulf of Aden. The Somaliland government reitrates it’s commitment to strengthen maritime safety and security in it’s territorial waters and exclusive zone.Our coast guards which function under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior have increased their patrol in sea waters off the coast of Somaliland for the last 2 weeks to deter any possible acts of piracy,smuggling of arms and people,terrorism and illegal trade in fauna and flora.
It is however high time that governments in the region including Somaliland’s come up with a strategic level of cooperation and partnership for addressing the emerging maritime security challenges without any further delay.’