MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government has rejected claims that Chinese fishing vessels are operating illegally in its waters, insisting the ships hold valid licenses and comply with Somali law and international maritime rules. The Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy framed the arrangement as part of a longstanding partnership with Beijing and said licensed activity falls within Somalia’s maritime governance framework.
“All licensed vessels operate legally under official permits issued by the Federal Government of Somalia,” the ministry said in a statement Sunday, adding that Chinese companies “have respected Somalia’s sovereignty and maritime governance framework.”
- Advertisement -
The rebuttal follows renewed scrutiny of foreign fishing off Somalia’s coast, where a recent report alleged that some Chinese vessels exceeded permitted catch limits and used destructive methods that threaten key stocks such as yellowfin tuna. The ministry said any illegal or unregulated practices “undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and violate international maritime law,” while maintaining that vessels authorized by Mogadishu are operating within the law.
The government also welcomed the recent release of a Chinese fishing vessel detained by armed men in the Puntland State area, thanking security agencies and other parties involved for ensuring the safety of the crew. Officials did not say whether a ransom was paid and noted that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under review.
Somalia said it will strengthen oversight across its exclusive economic zone, outlining steps to tighten control and deter maritime crime. The ministry said measures under consideration include:
- Tightening licensing procedures for all foreign and domestic industrial vessels
- Enhancing monitoring and surveillance of fishing activity in Somali waters
- Increasing cooperation with security agencies to combat piracy and other maritime crimes
Somalia has one of Africa’s longest coastlines, and the fisheries sector is viewed by policymakers as a pillar of economic recovery and job creation. But the country has long struggled with illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly during periods of weak state control and fragmented maritime enforcement. That history has left authorities under pressure to demonstrate they can protect marine resources, uphold sovereignty and ensure foreign-flagged fleets operate transparently.
The ministry’s statement reflects that balancing act. On one hand, it defends licensed foreign vessels as lawful partners contributing to the economy; on the other, it signals a tougher stance on oversight amid allegations of overfishing and destructive gear. Officials did not disclose how many Chinese vessels currently hold Somali licenses, nor did they address specific monitoring results, but said the government would “intensify regulatory compliance checks” and work with security partners to deter hijackings, ransom demands and other threats at sea.
Somalia’s waters, rich in tuna and other pelagic species, are increasingly contested as industrial fleets expand across the western Indian Ocean. Fisheries advocates say transparent licensing regimes, strong at-sea monitoring and consistent enforcement are critical to protecting stocks and ensuring Somali communities benefit from maritime resources. The ministry reiterated that message Sunday, emphasizing respect for the country’s sovereignty while committing to closer scrutiny of all operations under Somali permits.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
