The Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, H.E. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, has called for stronger legal, institutional and security measures to combat piracy and kidnapping and strengthen maritime security along Somalia’s coastline.
H.E. Abdulkadir said piracy is not merely a maritime security challenge, but a problem that has affected Somalia, coastal communities, seafarers, fishermen, the regional economy and international trade.
He noted that piracy has damaged Somalia’s international reputation, hindered the development of the country’s maritime economy and legal fishing sector, threatened coastal communities and undermined confidence in the security of Somali waters.
At the international level, the Speaker said piracy has increased shipping, insurance and maritime security costs, while exposing seafarers to kidnapping, violence and prolonged captivity.
Citing World Bank research, H.E. Abdulkadir said Somali piracy was estimated to have imposed costs of up to $18 billion annually on the global economy during the period covered by the study.
He said Somalia has a national responsibility and international obligation to ensure that its territory and waters are not used as a base for piracy, kidnapping or other maritime crimes.
The Speaker recalled that on November 10, 2025, during the 13th sitting of the 7th session, the House of the People approved the Bill to Review the Law on Combating Piracy and Preventing Kidnapping, Law No. 36 of April 30, 1975.
He also noted that on September 9, 2026, the Upper House of the Federal Parliament approved the legislation on combating piracy and preventing kidnapping, describing the move as an important step toward strengthening Somalia’s legal framework for addressing maritime crimes.
H.E. Abdulkadir stressed that legislation alone cannot eradicate piracy, calling for effective implementation of the law, stronger maritime security institutions, enhanced judicial and prosecutorial capacity, improved coastal security and greater economic opportunities for coastal communities.
He further called for continued cooperation with regional and international partners, while emphasising that Somalia must assume primary responsibility for the security and management of its territorial waters.
The Speaker said combating piracy is therefore not only a security matter but also part of Somalia’s efforts to strengthen state institutions, protect its sovereignty and natural resources, develop the national economy, safeguard its people and contribute to the security of international maritime trade.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of the People to strengthening the necessary legislative framework and exercising parliamentary oversight to ensure that approved laws are effectively and fully implemented.
