Somali maritime security training targets ‘whole-of-government’ approach

Somali officials have strengthened their skills in decision-making and policy development through an IMO-led workshop focusing on a ‘whole of government’ approach to maritime security. 

The workshop, delivered on 15 and 16 May in Mogadishu, brought together 20 participants from a range of Somali government departments, along with observers from international development partners. 

It was the latest in a series of maritime security workshops run by IMO under the EU-funded Regional Programme for Maritime Security in the Red Sea Area (Red Sea Project).  

Using IMO’s model for a whole-of-government approach to maritime security, the seminar demonstrated the need for cooperation amongst different government departments and agencies. Participants examined a range of scenarios, determining their respective roles and responsibilities as well as processes and procedures. They explored how these may develop, whether for routine business or during an incident.  

Participants discussed how their different agencies could work together towards the establishment of Somalia’s National Maritime Security Committee (NMSC) and development of the National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS). Discussions highlighted the importance of multi-agency collaboration and the active engagement of all stakeholders for the effective application of maritime security measures. 

The event was opened by the State Minister of Ports and Marine Transport of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Abdullkadir Mohamed and Advisor, Office of National Security, Mr. Abdimalik Abdullahi. Sessions benefited from the participation of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP), which have extensive experience in enhancing safety and security of navigation in the region, including coordinated efforts with other EU-funded programmes such as CRIMARIO II and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA. 

The Red Sea Project, funded by the European Union, is delivered by IMO, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The programme aims to assist participating countries in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, to enhance maritime security and safety in the Red Sea Area, in line with the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy.