Challenges ahead to develop Somali’s Marine forces (Navy)

The last articles we discussed focused on illegal fishing and recent operations in Somali waters. The overall conclusion to address these challenges is the development of Somalia's Navy; without this, the existing issues in our oceans will persist. In recent years, the rebuilding of Somalia's key institutions has been underway, with some making significant progress. However, the marine forces (Navy) have not shown visible improvements, despite Somalia having the longest mainland coast in Africa. The country has faced severe challenges, and the government has been preoccupied with numerous pressing issues. Now is the time to prioritize the development of our Navy. There are many challenges ahead in reshaping the Navy, including financial obstacles and a lack of focus on developing marine forces.

The Navy requires a larger budget that necessitates careful planning, especially for sea operations, which differ significantly from land forces. They need a variety of equipment, including warships, submarines, and patrol crafts, all of which require maintenance and sustainability—challenges that are not as prevalent for land forces. Nevertheless, the marine forces are crucial for Somalis, as this extensive coastline demands protection. A well-prepared plan for developing the Navy is essential and can be achieved through the commitment of Somalis. One reasonable approach to budgeting for this sector is to consider the migratory fish that pass through our Exclusive Economic Zone seasonally. We could issue licenses to foreign vessels to fish in our offshore waters while adhering to regulations and preventing violations, as our local fishers typically do not venture that far out. This could generate additional revenue that can be reinvested into the Navy, ports, and fisheries sector development. However, it is vital to ensure that these vessels do not approach the coast and are properly inspected. This could be a more immediate way for Somalis to generate income before pursuing oil production and other larger investments.

Currently, there is a lack of focus on developing Somalia's Navy. The government has been preoccupied with inland issues, including the restoration of peace and the rebuilding of other critical governmental institutions, which has diverted attention from the Navy, essential for protecting our territorial seas from any threats. Additionally, many Somalis, including senior officials, are unaware of the oceans' significance and the need to address these issues.

Regarding global assistance, Somalia has relied on international support in various areas, including humanitarian aid and budget assistance. However, Somalis must establish a developmental agenda for their Navy to tackle the negative activities occurring in our oceans, such as illegal fishing, waste dumping, and smuggling.

By Hassan Abdullahi Mao