Mogadishu, Somalia – In a decisive move to combat piracy and maritime crime, the House of the People of Somalia’s Federal Parliament approved a revised bill on Monday that introduces tougher penalties for acts of piracy and kidnapping at sea.
The legislation, which seeks to safeguard Somalia’s waters and protect international shipping routes, marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s legal framework against maritime offenses.
Under the new law, individuals found guilty of hijacking vessels, holding crews or passengers hostage, or engaging in armed robbery at sea face long-term imprisonment and heavy fines.
Authorities emphasized that the legislation is designed not only to punish offenders but also to serve as a deterrent for future crimes along Somalia’s coastlines, where piracy has historically disrupted trade and endangered lives.
Legal experts and maritime security officials welcomed the approval, highlighting that the bill provides clearer definitions of criminal conduct at sea and expands the jurisdiction of Somali courts to prosecute offenders effectively.
The legislation also outlines procedures for collaboration with international partners in tracking and apprehending pirates operating in Somali waters.
For local communities and fishermen who have long lived under the threat of attacks along the coast, the law is seen as a hopeful step toward restoring safety and stability.
Maritime authorities have indicated that enforcement efforts will be ramped up immediately, with a focus on patrolling high-risk areas and ensuring swift prosecution of any violators.
Somalia’s push for stricter anti-piracy measures aligns with ongoing regional and international efforts to secure the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to maintaining safe passage for commercial vessels and protecting the livelihoods of its coastal population.
The approval of this legislation signals a firm stance by Somalia’s parliament against maritime crime, reflecting both the urgent need to curb piracy and the government’s broader commitment to upholding the rule of law.