Somalia’s UN Security Council Priorities Must Focus on Maritime Challenges

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn’t the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia’s maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Imagine a day not too far away when Somalia’s coastal waters are abuzz with industry. It’s not fantasy; it’s a vision being chased. Recently, the Somali government ambitiously rolled out plans to bolster its blue economy. With eyes set on fisheries, shipping, and even offshore oil and gas extraction, optimism abounds. But can they pull it off? It’s not merely about vision; it’s about vigilance.

Take, for instance, the resurgence of piracy—a nagging thorn in Somalia’s side, coinciding eerily with its tenure on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In 2024 alone, there were eight piracy incidents, including three successful hijackings. While these numbers pale in comparison to the early 2010s, they underscore an unsettling fact: the beast wasn’t slain, just suppressed. Just last year, a bulk carrier fell prey off Somalia’s shores—the first such incident since 2017.

A Solace Global risk assessment unveils factors fueling this troubling trend. International naval forces have shifted focus from piracy to Yemen’s unstable coast. Add to that, Somalia’s economic woes and governance deficits, and we have a cocktail ripe for driving piracy into a persistent menace through 2025.

Yet, piracy isn’t merely a maritime affliction; it symbolizes Somalia’s broader governance and security woes. Can Somalia really tackle this scourge alone? The straightforward answer is no. A durable solution demands sustained international support, requiring efforts both at sea and onshore. The UNSC offers a pivotal platform to catalyze sustained engagement, aiding Somali-led capacity building and bolstering legal frameworks against piracy.

Beyond security woes, climate-related concerns also loom large over Somalia’s maritime ambitions. According to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, Somalia ranks among the least equipped and second most climate-vulnerable nations worldwide, despite its minimal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Coastal areas feel this brunt intensely, as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and erratic ocean temperatures threaten livelihoods and communities, igniting resource competition and displacement. Coastal cities like Mogadishu and Kismayo are frontline defenders against coastal erosion, saltwater encroachment, and marine ecosystem degradation.

Now think about it: all these local adversities unfold while foreign entities benefit from Somalia’s aquatic riches. In 2022, domestic fishers managed a mere 6,000 tonnes, whereas foreign industrial fleets—chiefly from China and the European Union—netted over twice that amount.

Here lies Somalia’s chance to leverage its UNSC tenure, securing technical support and leveraging surveillance technologies to combat illegal fishing. Yet, to capitalize on these opportunities, Somalia must first affirm its commitments. Signing the High Seas Treaty would demonstrate its dedication to safeguarding national and international marine ecosystems. Currently, without participation in key international agreements, Somali waters remain vulnerable to overfishing.

Furthermore, international initiatives like the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA)—already endorsed by Somalia—hold promise in curbing illegal fishing on African waters. Yet, implementation demands technical expertise, a precious commodity Somalia currently lacks. By engaging effectively in maritime diplomacy on the UNSC, Somalia could significantly boost its capacity to manage its marine resources sustainably, buttressing economic development for its impoverished coastal communities.

Somalia possesses a geostrategic location along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a crucial chokepoint for global maritime trade. Understandably, global powers are eager to partner with Mogadishu. Through strategic diplomatic engagement with UNSC members, Somalia could secure essential resources to protect its waters and cultivate its blue economy.

Could Somalia’s future depend entirely on its maritime prowess? In the interconnected tapestry of global ocean governance, success on these fronts offers more than national gain; it reinforces Africa’s narrative in international discussions. Take Kenya, for example, which has harmonized its policies with global standards. Having ratified the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, established the Kenya Maritime Authority, and collaborated with the International Maritime Organization, Kenya has significantly elevated its maritime governance.

By adopting such a synergized approach, Somalia stands on the cusp of transformative opportunities. Through strategic alignment with international frameworks and a commitment to robust domestic policies, Somalia could unlock a treasure trove of technical assistance, funding, and technology. But missing this maritime moment could well mute Africa’s maritime voice in a crucial international arena.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring