Somalia frees 33 illegal Iranian fishermen, signals thaw with Tehran

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Somalia frees 33 illegal Iranian fishermen, signals thaw with Tehran

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a surprising diplomatic turn, Somalia's government has announced its intention to mend ties with Iran, marking a significant departure from the severed relations dating back to 2016.

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The decision comes in the wake of the release of 33 Iranian fishermen and sailors who were detained in Mogadishu for illegal fishing activities along the Somali coast.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a surprising diplomatic turn, Somalia's government has announced its intention to mend ties with Iran, marking a significant departure from the severed relations dating back to 2016.

The decision comes in the wake of the release of 33 Iranian fishermen and sailors who were detained in Mogadishu for illegal fishing activities along the Somali coast.

The move, confirmed by sources within the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows extensive negotiations between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Iranian officials. Central to Iran’s willingness to reestablish diplomatic relations was the unconditional release of its 33 citizens held in Somali prisons, the source explained.

Ali Mohammad Omar, also known as Ali Balcad, the State Minister of the Somali Foreign Affairs Ministry, formally notified Iran’s ambassador to Kenya and Somalia of the impending release and the initiation of plans to repatriate the fishermen and sailors to Iran, as reported by Iranian news agency.

The 33 Iranian nationals were apprehended in 2023, alongside three Pakistani fishermen, on charges of illegal fishing and causing damage to Somali maritime resources.

After being convicted in July 2023, they were sentenced to various jail terms and hefty fines amounting to USD 11,000 each and confiscation of their vessels.

The detainees were held at the Mogadishu central prison until their recent release.

The decision to sever diplomatic ties with Iran was taken by Somalia’s government in January 2016, under the leadership of then-President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Allegations were made against Iranian diplomats and aid agencies, accusing them of attempting to propagate Shiite ideology within Somalia. On 7 January 2016, the Mogadishu government ordered all Iranian diplomats and embassy staff to leave within 72 hours.

However, the unexpected overture towards Tehran comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region. The resurgence of attacks in the Red Sea by Houthi militia, backed by Iran, has heightened security concerns.

The Houthis, known for their ties with Somali terror group Al-Shabaab, have recently initiated negotiations with the group, coinciding with a resurgence in Somali pirate activities targeting ships and vessels in the Red Sea.

The decision to revive relations with Iran underscores the complex interplay of diplomatic, security, and economic interests shaping the Horn of Africa’s geopolitical landscape.