Mogadishu, Somalia – In a continued effort to support Somalia’s drive to bolster maritime security and ensure a safer coastline, the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) and the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) jointly conducted an intensive ten-day training program on Vessel Traffic Management and Information Systems (VTMIS) in Mogadishu.
The course brought together 16 officers—among them five women—from various Somali maritime institutions, underscoring an inclusive approach to capacity development. The participants received technical and operational training aimed at improving maritime domain awareness across Somalia’s vast territorial waters, which are crucial for trade, security, and economic development.
Key focus areas included vessel monitoring, detection of navigational anomalies, ensuring safe maritime traffic flow, and enhancing coordination among relevant agencies through improved information sharing mechanisms.
According to organizers, the training is part of a broader initiative to professionalize Somalia’s maritime governance and foster collaboration between civil and security institutions operating in the maritime space. Enhanced vessel tracking and real-time data analysis will help authorities respond more effectively to threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing, while also improving port efficiency and safety.
Officials from both UNTMIS and EUCAP Somalia praised the dedication of the trainees and reiterated their commitment to continuing support for Somalia’s maritime sector, a vital pillar for national recovery and stability.
This initiative aligns with Somalia’s Maritime Resource and Security Strategy and supports the country’s efforts to reassert control over its territorial waters following decades of conflict and instability.