MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has issued a strong condemnation of the resurgence of piracy off the coast of its Puntland State, calling for coordinated international support to combat the growing threat. The appeal follows a series of attacks and hijackings in the Gulf of Aden that have escalated dramatically since April 2026, with incidents reaching a thirteen-year high .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailed that Somali forces are actively dismantling pirate networks both at sea and on land. This aggressive stance was most recently demonstrated in a successful operation on 29 August that led to the liberation of the hijacked cargo vessel MV Lutuf . The government noted that further operations are planned to secure the nation’s waters.
A spokesperson emphasized that all maritime security cooperation is conducted with the Federal Government and coordinated with federal member states within a single, accountable national security architecture. “Partners are welcome to support Somali maritime forces through that framework,” the Ministry stated, stressing that Somalia’s marine resources are governed by Somali law, and that illegal, unregistered, and unregulated fishing constitutes a violation of the nation’s sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
International Law and Security Council Action
Citing Article 100 of UNCLOS, which obliges all states to cooperate in the repression of piracy, Somalia is preparing to escalate the issue to the highest international forum. As a sitting member of the United Nations Security Council a position it holds for the 2025-2026 term after being elected with overwhelming support —Somalia intends to raise this maritime threat directly in the Council.
Mogadishu will work closely with its bilateral, regional, and multilateral partners to secure the release of affected seafarers and completely dismantle piracy networks. This includes cooperation through frameworks such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment, which have been key instruments in regional maritime security efforts .
Context of the Resurgence
The recent uptick in attacks has been stark. International Maritime Organization (IMO) data indicates that at least 15 piracy incidents have been recorded in Somali waters so far in 2026, a significant jump from just 5 incidents recorded in all of 2025 . Analysts attribute this resurgence to a “perfect storm” of factors, including a vacuum left by international naval forces diverted to the Middle East and the redirection of commercial shipping closer to the Somali coast due to conflicts in the Red Sea .
The government has vowed that Somalia will not permit its waters to become a haven for maritime crime or illegal fishing, reinforcing its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and maritime resources.
