By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA – The Somaliland Maritime Security Coordination Office (SMSCO), in partnership with the EUCAP Agency, convened the quarterly Somaliland Maritime Security Coordination Meeting in Hargeisa today. The high-level gathering brought together senior government officials, military commanders, and representatives from international organizations engaged in maritime development and security.
The session was formally opened by the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Maxamed Cabdiraxmaan Xasan, who underscored the strategic importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain. He further highlighted the maritime sector’s vital contribution to economic prosperity and the protection of national interests.
Key attendees included the Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mr. Liibaan Diiriye; the Deputy Commander of the Berbera Free Zone, Mr. Cabdirisaaq Ruush; alongside senior officials from security institutions, relevant maritime ministries, and EUCAP representatives.
Discussions throughout the meeting centered on tangible measures to enhance institutional coordination and operational synergy across government entities involved in maritime governance. Core priorities addressed included:
· Strengthening inter-agency cooperation to improve operational coordination among maritime security stakeholders.
· Expanding capacity-building initiatives through targeted training, technical exchange programs, and institutional skills development.
· Advancing the Blue Economy agenda to ensure sustainable utilization of marine resources while generating new economic and employment opportunities.
· Enhancing maritime domain awareness through improved data collection, analysis, information-sharing frameworks, and standardized reporting mechanisms.
· Updating legal and policy frameworks governing maritime administration and security to align with international best practices.
· Deepening international partnerships to bolster coastal protection, combat illegal fishing, prevent human trafficking, and address other transnational maritime crimes.
The meeting reaffirmed the collective resolve of all participants to reinforce Somaliland’s maritime security architecture and promote sustainable growth across the coastal economy.
