INTRODUCTION
Somaliland is a self-declared independent state located in the Horn of Africa that has been facing numerous challenges since its separation from Somalia in 1991. Among the key issues facing the country is maritime security, as it has a long coastline that is vulnerable to piracy, smuggling, and other illegal activities. To address this challenge, the Somaliland government established the Somaliland Coastal Guard (SCG) in 1995, which is a paramilitary force responsible for safeguarding Somaliland’s territorial waters and ensuring the safety of maritime traffic.
SCG’S DUTIES
The SCG’s main duties include protecting Somaliland’s territorial waters from piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes, conducting search and rescue operations in cases of distress at sea, facilitating maritime trade by ensuring the safe passage of vessels through Somaliland’s territorial waters, and collecting intelligence on maritime threats and sharing it with other law enforcement agencies. The force is equipped with modern patrol boats, radar systems, and other equipment to help it carry out its duties.
SCG’S BASES
The SCG has established several strategic bases along Somaliland’s coastline, including the Berbera Base, which serves as the headquarters for the Coastal Guard, and the Hargeisa is the headquarters of the Coastal Guard, which serves as a training center. Other bases include the Lughaya Base, Zeila Base, and Maydh Base, which are strategically located to protect Somaliland’s borders with Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Puntland, respectively.
DEVELOPMENT OF SCG
One of the key elements of the development of the SCG has been the training and capacity-building of its personnel. The force has received training and support from a variety of international partners, including the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This training has focused on a range of areas, including navigation, communication, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue.
In addition to training and capacity-building, the development of the SCG has also involved the acquisition of new equipment and vessels. The force has received several new patrol boats, including two 35-meter patrol boats donated by the United States in 2020. These vessels are equipped with advanced communication and navigation systems, as well as weapons and other equipment necessary for maritime law enforcement.
SUCCESS OF SCG
The success of the SCG in combating piracy and illegal fishing has helped to improve economic opportunities for local communities and promote stability in the region. By safeguarding Somaliland’s territorial waters, the Coastal Guard has enabled the country to better participate in regional trade and benefit from its strategic location on the Gulf of Aden.
SOMALILAND COASTAL GUARD LAW AND SMRSS
The Somaliland Coast Guard Law establishes the framework for the establishment, organization, and operation of the Somaliland Coast Guard. The law defines the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Coast Guard, including enforcing laws and regulations, protecting Somaliland’s maritime interests, and ensuring safety and security in coastal waters. The law was amended in 2014 to strengthen the Coast Guard’s capacity to combat piracy and illegal fishing.
The Somaliland Maritime Security and Rescue Strategy (SMRSS) identifies top priorities for implementation, including improving maritime governance, enhancing maritime security and safety, creating a maritime rescue coordination center, and developing the maritime economy. The goal of maritime governance is to establish and implement laws, policies, regulations, plans, and infrastructure to achieve national maritime security objectives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Somaliland Coastal Guard has played a critical role in protecting Somaliland’s maritime security and ensuring the safety and prosperity of its people. While the force still faces challenges, its development, and expansion have been important initiatives for the Somaliland government as it seeks to strengthen the security and stability
Gulaid Yusuf Idaan
@Guiled2
Senior lecturer, Researcher, and Youth Activist in the Horn of Africa
