Somaliland urges swift international action amid escalating Red Sea piracy threats

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Somaliland urges swift international action amid escalating Red Sea piracy threats

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – The Somaliland Foreign Ministry convened a crucial meeting with foreign missions and partners within its borders, emphasizing the immediate need for the international community's attention to address the escalati

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Somaliland foreign minister convenes foreign diplomats in Hargeisa on Wednesday. | PHOTO/ OFFICIAL.

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – The Somaliland Foreign Ministry convened a crucial meeting with foreign missions and partners within its borders, emphasizing the immediate need for the international community's attention to address the escalating piracy threats in the Red Sea.

The discussions focused on urging international intervention to mitigate the multifaceted threats posed by the current conflict in the Red Sea, particularly in relation to piracy. The implications of these threats extend beyond Somaliland, impacting trade routes, economic progress, and regional stability.

Somaliland Minister of foreign affairs Essa Kayd stressed the critical nature of the situation, stating, "About 17,000 ships and 12% of global trade pass through the Red Sea every year. Any ship passing through the Suez Canal to or from the Indian Ocean has to come this way, so you can see how critical the situation is.”

Highlighting the potential for destabilization, Minister Kayd emphasized, "If left unchecked, this insurgency threatens to amplify existing regional instabilities, jeopardizing peace, security, and economic prosperity for all nations in the Horn of Africa and beyond.”

The link between piracy and terrorism was also highlighted, with Minister Kayd pointing out that 80% of illicit arms seized by the Somaliland Coast Guard in the Gulf of Aden were destined for terrorist cells in neighboring countries.

Recent events in Somalia’s Puntland, where Somali pirates hijacked the Maltese-flagged vessel M.V Ruen, further underscore the urgency of the situation.

Puntland’s Minister of Ports, Ahmed Yasin, expressed concern over the pirates’ regrouping and determination to resume piracy activities, potentially recruiting additional armed individuals.

This week’s hijacking of M.V Ruen marks the first merchant ship hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017.

Somaliland, though not internationally recognized as a country, is calling on the global community to recognize the urgency of the situation and take immediate steps to prevent further escalation.