Somalia: Deni links piracy resurgence to alleged campaign against Puntland State’s reputation
AXADLE, Somalia — A fresh wave of piracy along Somalia’s coast is being used to tarnish Puntland State’s image, Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni said, as attacks on commercial vessels revive concern over maritime security.
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Deni said his administration was concentrating on resisting what he described as a campaign of “reputational damage”. He warned that vulnerable young people could be manipulated into activities that threaten Puntland State’s security and standing.
His remarks follow the reappearance of piracy off Somalia, prompting renewed concern about the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean.
Maritime security reports say pirates have recently captured commercial vessels, including the M/V Lutuf and the M.T. Sibu 1. The seizures have raised fears that Somali piracy, which had fallen sharply in recent years, may be returning.
Puntland State authorities have previously said they were examining information indicating that forces outside the administration might be involved in the renewed piracy. They have not named a specific group or country and have not made public evidence to support those claims.
The incidents follow years of international operations aimed at containing piracy off Somalia, once regarded as one of the world’s most serious maritime security threats.
International naval patrols, stronger maritime security procedures and precautions adopted by shipping companies had largely brought Somali piracy under control. The latest attacks have nevertheless revived worries among operators about vessels travelling through the region.
Deni said Puntland State would continue to oppose any actions capable of damaging its reputation, while stressing that the administration’s priorities reached beyond security.
He identified development as Puntland State’s central struggle, pointing to efforts to reduce poverty, expand local production, create jobs for young people and improve health care and education.
The president’s comments underscore broader concerns among Puntland State officials that a piracy resurgence could weaken economic activity and erode international confidence in the region.
Puntland State, which maintains its own administration and security forces, has long confronted security problems along its extensive coastline. Its proximity to key maritime corridors linking the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean has also made the region a major focus of international maritime security efforts.
The latest vessel seizures have intensified wider concerns about maritime insecurity, as commercial shipping in the region already faces threats from armed attacks and geopolitical tensions.
Puntland State authorities have promised to investigate the recent piracy incidents and prevent the territory from once again becoming associated with large-scale maritime hijackings.
Deni said his administration would continue working to protect Puntland State’s security and reputation while advancing its longer-term development agenda.
AXADLETM
