Sunday September 1, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government has issued new directives requiring all vessels and ships using in Somali waters to fly the Somali flag to enhance national security and assert control over its territorial waters.
The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) reported on Saturday that the new measures aim to improve compliance with the country's laws.
"Ships are now mandated to notify Somali authorities and adhere to procedures established by the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport," the news agency added.
Last week, the federal government ordered all remittance companies and businesses operating in Somalia to erase references to "Somaliland" from their websites and financial services to reinforce Somalia's territorial integrity. However, it is unclear how the new directive will impact ships docking at Somaliland's Berbera port, where flying the Somali flag is not permitted.
The directive comes eight months after the Somali parliament approved a 10-year defense and economic cooperation framework agreement between Somalia and Turkey. According to Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the agreement includes provisions for Turkey to build, train, and equip the Somali navy.
The new maritime rules and the agreement with Turkey occur amid escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, following a memorandum of understanding signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
The MOU has heightened regional strains, particularly after Egypt delivered its first military aid to Somalia over 40 years earlier this week, a move likely to further sour relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.