By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Parliament has unanimously approved a revised anti-piracy and anti-kidnapping law in a landmark move to strengthen maritime security and reinforce national sovereignty over its territorial waters.
The legislation, passed on Monday, replaces the previous law enacted on April 30, 1975, which lawmakers said was outdated and insufficient to address modern maritime threats. The updated law aligns Somalia’s legal framework with international maritime standards and expands the government’s capacity to prosecute and deter crimes such as piracy and kidnapping at sea.
All 140 Members of Parliament present voted in favor of the bill, with no abstentions or opposition—a rare show of unity in the Somali legislature. Lawmakers said the move highlights a shared national commitment to protecting Somali waters and ensuring the safety of maritime trade.
“This is a historic day for Somalia,” said Second Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow following the vote. “The unanimous support reflects our shared commitment to ending piracy and ensuring that our waters remain safe for all. Somalia is reclaiming its rightful role as a responsible maritime nation contributing to regional and global security.”
The passage of the law comes after several recent pirate attacks along Somalia’s coastline, including the hijacking of a Malta-flagged cargo vessel bound for South Africa. The ship was later rescued by the European Union Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) operating under Operation Atalanta, a mission dedicated to deterring piracy and safeguarding shipping routes in the western Indian Ocean.
Officials from the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport praised the new law as a “critical legal advancement” that will empower Somali authorities to investigate, prosecute, and punish maritime offenders in line with both domestic and international legal standards.
The revised legislation also paves the way for enhanced cooperation between Somali agencies and international partners, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and regional maritime centers based in Djibouti and Seychelles. The collaboration aims to strengthen information sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building for the Somali Coast Guard.
Security analysts say the new framework will help protect coastal communities, many of which depend on fishing and maritime trade for their livelihoods. By reducing piracy risks, the law is expected to boost economic activity and reinforce Somalia’s image as a responsible maritime state.
The legislation also safeguards one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors—a vital trade route connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, through which a large share of global commerce, including oil and container shipments, passes each day.
While piracy incidents in Somali waters declined sharply over the past decade, experts warn of a recent resurgence linked to poverty, unemployment, and weak coastal governance. The Somali government has pledged to address these root causes while modernizing its naval and judicial institutions.
Observers say the unanimous passage of the law reflects Somalia’s determination to reassert control over its maritime domain, uphold the rule of law, and contribute to regional maritime stability.
