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Somalia has taken an important step toward improving its maritime safety and strengthening its technological capacity by officially joining the Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO). The move reflects the federal government’s broader goals of enhancing security along its coastline, improving communication systems at sea, and aligning the country’s maritime sector with global standards.
This development became official when the Somali Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nor, formally submitted the country’s instrument of accession to Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Their meeting took place in London during the 34th Regular Session of the IMO Assembly, a major gathering that brings together maritime officials from around the world. By completing this process, Somalia has now secured access to advanced satellite-based communication services that are widely used by countries to protect ships, respond to emergencies, and coordinate safety operations at sea.
For Somalia, a nation with one of the longest coastlines in Africa, this membership marks a major milestone. Over the years, challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and limited institutional capacity have made it difficult for authorities to fully monitor and secure the country’s waters. Joining IMSO gives Somalia the tools and support it needs to address these issues more effectively. The organization oversees crucial satellite systems that allow maritime administrations to track vessels in real time, communicate with ships during distress situations, and manage search and rescue efforts with greater accuracy.
During their discussion, Minister Nor and Secretary-General Dominguez explored ways to strengthen Somalia’s maritime institutions and modernize the systems that govern and protect the country’s maritime domain. The minister emphasized Somalia’s interest in improving the legal and operational frameworks that regulate its territorial waters, ensuring they meet global expectations for safety and compliance. Dominguez expressed IMO’s readiness to support Somalia through technical assistance, training opportunities, and closer cooperation aimed at equipping Somali officials with the skills needed to manage modern maritime technology.
The government highlighted that IMSO membership will also help protect Somalia’s marine resources. With more reliable satellite monitoring, authorities will be better positioned to track foreign vessels that enter Somali waters without authorization, prevent illegal exploitation of fish stocks, and respond more quickly to incidents that threaten marine ecosystems. These improvements are expected to contribute not only to safety and security but also to economic growth, as a well-regulated maritime environment encourages legitimate trade, tourism, and investment in the blue economy.
Somalia’s decision to join IMSO is part of a broader national effort to rebuild state institutions and strengthen cooperation with international partners. In recent years, the country has made significant progress in restoring stability, expanding its presence in regional organizations, and adopting global conventions that support development and governance goals. By enhancing its maritime capabilities, the government hopes to create safer routes for shipping, protect coastal communities, and build a stronger foundation for long-term economic recovery.
The high-level meeting in London was attended by senior Somali officials, including Mogadishu Port General Manager Ambassador Mohamed Ali Nur (Americo) and Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Abdulkadir Abdi Hashi. Their presence underscored the importance of this step for the country’s maritime and diplomatic sectors. Overall, Somalia’s accession to the IMSO Convention represents a meaningful advancement in its pursuit of safer waters, stronger institutions, and deeper global integration.