Cape Town, South Africa (Horn Observer) – An air of anticipation surrounded a noteworthy event this past week as key stakeholders gathered in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Among them was Mr. Mohamed Ali Cibaar, Somalia’s Commercial Affairs Attaché to the South African Embassy, who lent his presence and insights at a significant summit aimed at addressing labor conditions on fishing vessels. The summit, drawing parties from various global corners, acted as a crucial meeting point to discuss the potent role embassies and consulates play within this sector.

The gathering, meticulously organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) alongside the South African Department of Employment & Labour (DEL), saw attendance from a multitude of nations. Delegates from Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, and China rubbed shoulders with representatives from farther afield such as Japan, India, and even Norway. As Mr. Cibaar remarked during a moment captured by Onkod Radio, “The summit focused on how states can prevent illegal fishing while simultaneously safeguarding fishers’ rights.” Reflecting on Somalia’s participation, he added, “It was an honor for Somalia to partake in this crucial dialogue, particularly as our country navigates its way out of decades-long turmoil.”

Amongst the attendees, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) delivered a revealing presentation on the irregular working conditions that often prevail upon fishing vessels. Such presentations are not mere academic exercises; they pave the way for real-world applications. Incidentally, following a productive sidebar discussion with Somali officials, SAMSA committed to embarking on an initiative to train ten Somali coastguard officials. Their mission? To efficiently monitor and curb illegal fishing activities plaguing Somalia’s exclusive maritime zone.

Mr. Cibaar, in reflecting upon this development, expressed optimism, saying, “We wholeheartedly welcome the prospects of our coastguards gaining invaluable knowledge and expertise from SAMSA through this training.”

This summit underscored the vital role such international platforms play in broadening diplomatic missions’ understanding of the dynamic labor conditions inherent within the global fishing industry. Strengthening collaborative efforts remains at the heart of this undertaking—fortifying alliances with one primary goal—protecting fishers’ rights.

For Somalia, the challenge is nothing new. The nation has long grappled with the dual scourge of illegal fishing alongside the persistent threats posed by piracy and weapons smuggling. These coasts cry out for well-trained coastguards, men and women equipped to protect not only Somalia’s maritime health but also its future prospects.

This prompts an essential question: In a world so dependent on the oceans, what more can be done to ensure the rights and safety of those who brave the seas for their livelihoods?

Consider the story of a seasoned Somali fisherman, once quoted saying, “The sea gives and takes—it is both friend and foe.” His words linger in the conscience, serving as a poignant reminder of the delicate balancing act required in policy formulation aimed at the seas’ stewardship.

The summit in Cape Town stands as a testament to the potential of cooperative dialogue in addressing shared challenges. No nation, no diplomat can act in isolation. It is in unity and shared purpose that solutions to complex and multifaceted issues such as these are discovered and implemented.