By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, through its Maritime Security Coordination Office, today officially launched a high-level strategic consultation on the evolving security landscape in the Red Sea and its implications for regional connectivity.
The two-day gathering is designed to take stock of the rapidly shifting dynamics in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while also exploring stronger coordination mechanisms between state institutions and private stakeholders active in maritime security. The overarching objective is to shield Somaliland’s maritime interests and national assets—particularly its vital trade and economic infrastructure—from the ripple effects of regional instability.
In his opening address, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan, underscored that the forum would provide a comprehensive analysis of emerging threats and their multidimensional impact on the Republic of Somaliland. He further noted that discussions would focus on assessing the resilience of the country’s existing infrastructure and its capacity to withstand external shocks, emphasizing that maritime security has never been more critical—especially as turbulence in international shipping lanes continues to pose direct challenges to Somaliland’s commerce and economic wellbeing.
Echoing those sentiments, the Director of the Maritime Security Coordination Office, Mohamed Aden Sheikh (Tukaale), described the consultation as a vital platform for deepening the understanding of recent disruptions in the Red Sea. He urged participants to engage in rigorous, forward-looking analysis and to generate innovative strategies for mitigating the risks posed by these complex developments.
The conference also heard from Mr. Irek of the EUCAP mission, who commended the initiative and highlighted the importance of joint deliberations on how emerging threats could affect Somaliland’s maritime corridors and broader national stability.
Attendance includes a wide cross-section of stakeholders: government bodies responsible for maritime security, private sector operators, naval and security experts, academics from several national universities, representatives from DP World, and other key players in the maritime domain.
Over the next two days, the conference will feature in-depth technical sessions aimed at producing concrete, actionable outcomes—ranging from national preparedness strategies to a thorough evaluation of the country’s existing assets and capabilities, ensuring Somaliland is better positioned to navigate the uncertain waters ahead.
