Statement on Counter-piracy… H. E. Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo, President, Republic of Somaliland

“I should however state that Somaliland does not wish to become a prison for pirates arrested on the high seas or in other countries. We do not permit pirates to use our territory. Therefore”

Somaliland adopts a proactive policy against the piracy. We have successfully convicted over  six ty pirates who had been found guilty of committing sea crimes in our international territorial wat er who are now serving prison sentences. This has deterred pirates from violating Somaliland  coa st. Key instruments in this success include the fact that we have denied pirates of establishing bases on the ground in Somaliland. And we have a coastal guard force that is capable of safeguar ding our sea.

Somaliland also works with the international community in countering piracy. We are signatory to the Kampala Process and we participate the ICG – Working Group 2 meetings which offer regional forums for policy development and technical cooperation on counter-piracy programmes. We  wo uld like to enlarge this international cooperation and directly engage with EU member states, USA, Norway and the Gulf States to further consolidate our achievements.

Somaliland is the frontline of the fight against piracy. We do not permit pirates to use our territory from which to launch their attacks on international shipping. Therefore, you will find us a reliable partner in the struggle against piracy. Given more resources, we could do even more to help.

I should however state that Somaliland does not wish to become a prison for pirates arrested on the high seas or in other countries. This would pose risk to our security. We will however continue to arrest pirates who violate Somaliland territorial water and Somalilanders who commit act of piracy elsewhere.

We express our grave concern over the growing number of people, including seafarers, held host age. We think prosecution and detention of pirates are effective means of deterring piracy.

However, we believe there is a need for increased international cooperation on eradicating the root causes of piracy. In this regard, Somaliland welcomes the report of the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General on Legal Issues related to Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, and looks forward to further debate in the UN on the implementation of its recommendations.

While looking forward to more cooperation in this area, please accept the assurance of my high est consideration.

H. E. Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo
President, Republic of Somaliland