Pretoria, South Africa – Somalia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Mohamed Sheikh Issak, hosted Dr. Dumisani Theophilus Ntuli, Chief Director of Maritime Policy and Legislation at South Africa’s Department of Transport, for a high-level meeting on Tuesday aimed at boosting maritime security collaboration between the two nations.
The meeting focused on enhancing Somali maritime security through strengthened bilateral cooperation to prevent illegal fishing, human trafficking, and other maritime crimes that threaten regional stability and Somalia’s economic sovereignty.
Ambassador Issak emphasized the urgent need for technical partnerships to build Somalia’s capacity to safeguard its territorial waters, stressing the importance of regional solidarity in addressing transnational maritime threats.
Dr. Ntuli reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts to secure its coastline, which stretches over 3,300 kilometers and is one of Africa’s most strategic maritime zones. He noted that South Africa is keen to share expertise in maritime legislation, enforcement mechanisms, and regional coordination frameworks.
Both sides agreed to initiate technical exchanges and explore institutional frameworks for long-term cooperation in maritime law enforcement and policy development.
The meeting underscores Somalia’s broader push to strengthen maritime governance as part of its national security and economic reform agenda, and aligns with ongoing efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and cross-border criminal activity in the Indian Ocean region.