Somalia Calls on International Community for Support in Fight Against Piracy

MOGADISHU— Somalia’s Federal Government has warned that federal member states that fail to comply with the country’s national framework for maritime security will be held accountable, as Mogadishu moves to strengthen cooperation with international partners to counter piracy and illegal fishing along the country’s coastline.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government said it intends to seek support from the United Nations Security Council for operations aimed at combating piracy and other maritime threats that have emerged along the coast of Puntland.

The government pointed to the recent release of the MV Lutuf as an example of international cooperation in Somalia’s maritime security efforts, saying the operation was conducted with the assistance of Turkish forces deployed off the Somali coast.

“Somalia’s maritime security cooperation is implemented in coordination with the Federal Government and is based on cooperation with the federal member states under a unified national security framework with clear accountability,” the ministry said.