Turkish fishermen to operate in Somali waters despite ban

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A new agreement signed between Somalia and Turkey allows Turkish fishermen to operate within Somalia waters despite strict rules passed to protect the territory in the past in line with conservation efforts.

Turkey's Minister for Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, and Somalia's Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden announced the agreement after a meeting in Ankara, noting that the cooperation allows the two countries to support sustainable fisheries management.

"Turkish fishermen have extensive experience in international waters," Yumaklı told Aden, adding, "I believe we can share our expertise in fishing … and by ensuring the sustainable use of Somalia's resources, enable Turkish fishermen and entrepreneurs to operate in your country in a way that will be a win for both of us."

A joint technical team shall oversee the implementation of the deal to ensure strict compliance with sustainable practices, officials said. Yumaklı proposed Turkey host the committee's first meeting to establish guidelines and monitor compliance.

Interestingly, the agreement coincides with Somalia's effort to implement a trawler ban introduced in April 2024 to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. For decades, foreign vessels have overexploited Somali waters, depleting livelihoods for the much-deserving locals.

The ban showcases the desire by Somalia to protect its maritime resources and a wider strategy in maintaining its territorial waters which are persistently under threat due to weak governance in Mogadishu.

The fisheries agreement is part of Turkey's strategy in the Horn of Africa. In February 2024, Somalia and Turkey signed a comprehensive 10-year defense and economic cooperation agreement. This pact entrusts Turkey with the responsibility of building, modernizing, and training Somalia's naval forces.

Somalia has a coastline stretching to 3,333 kilometers and for a long time, it has remained exposed. It is just recently that Ethiopia reached a deal with Somalia to end animosity after months of tussles over access to the Red Sea.

GAROWE ONLINE