Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
The Somali Federal Government has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of a cargo ship, Sea World, which was intercepted by Puntland authorities while transporting military equipment and goods to Mogadishu. The vessel, flying the Comoros flag, was reportedly on its way to the TÜRKSOM Military Training Centre in Mogadishu under a bilateral defense agreement between Somalia and Türkiye.
In a strong statement issued on Wednesday, the federal government condemned the detention of the ship, calling it a direct violation of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution and an attack on the nation’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
According to officials in Mogadishu, the Sea World was carrying legally approved defense cargo, as well as commercial goods for Somali traders. The government stressed that the cargo had been authorized and that the ship’s mission was in line with national interests.
However, Puntland security forces claimed that the vessel had anchored illegally for two days near the town of Bareda, a coastal area recently affected by clashes between Puntland forces and Islamic State militants. Due to growing concerns about the vessel’s intentions and its cargo’s final destination, the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) intercepted the ship and moved it to the Port of Bosaso, where it is currently under investigation.
The federal government accused some Puntland officials of carrying out unauthorized maritime operations, arguing that such actions exceed their constitutional powers. Citing Article 54 of the Provisional Constitution, the statement emphasized that matters of national defense—including the protection of territorial waters—fall strictly under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
“The seizure of this ship is not only unlawful but also poses a serious threat to national unity and stability,” the federal government said.
It also warned Puntland against acting independently in maritime matters, stating that any unilateral actions along Somalia’s coastline could destabilize the entire nation. The government emphasized the need for all Federal Member States, including Puntland, to adhere to the constitutional division of responsibilities—especially in areas like defense and maritime security.
“The federal government will not allow any regional administration to undermine its constitutional role or compromise the safety of Somali waters,” the statement added.
This incident has once again highlighted the tense relationship between the federal government in Mogadishu and the Puntland regional administration in Garowe. Disagreements over control of territorial waters and the broader issue of federal versus regional authority have long strained relations between the two sides.
As of the time of reporting, Puntland has not publicly responded to the federal government’s statement or its demand for the ship’s release.
The standoff comes at a time when Somalia is working to strengthen its defense partnerships and assert greater control over its maritime territory, particularly in the face of ongoing security threats and efforts to rebuild its naval capacity with international assistance, including that of Türkiye.
The federal government concluded its statement by urging unity and cooperation among all regional states, warning that failure to respect constitutional boundaries could weaken Somalia’s federal system and jeopardize the country’s broader security goals.