A RED SEA RIVALRY
By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin. Political Analyst, International Affairs Writer and Managing Editor of bridgingsomaliland.com
TAIPEI – In a historic step to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime borders, Somaliland has signed a maritime security and coast guard cooperation pact with Taiwan. The agreement comes at a time when Turkey, empowered by its recent maritime deal with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, seeks to dominate the region’s waters—claiming authority over 95% of Somalia’s territorial waters, including areas Somaliland governs independently.
For Somaliland, this pact with Taiwan represents a strategic shield against attempts by Turkey to use naval power to blockade or politically isolate Somaliland’s push for diplomatic recognition. With Taiwan’s advanced technological and naval expertise, Somaliland’s coast guard will gain critical capabilities in surveillance, maritime defense, and protecting its rich offshore resources from foreign exploitation.
The agreement was signed in Taipei by Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye, Commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard, and Chang Chung-lung, Director-General of Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration. The deal focuses on joint training, intelligence sharing, and maritime security operations, strengthening Somaliland’s ability to monitor and defend its territorial waters.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, who met Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam, described the pact as a milestone:
“With today’s coast guard agreement and expansion into maritime security and blue economy, our nations are writing a new chapter in our partnership and demonstrating the resilience of democratic alliances.”
This visit marks the first cabinet-level delegation from Somaliland since President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) assumed office earlier this year. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung hailed the visit as a reflection of the “shared democratic values and strategic cooperation” that bind the two partners.
The deepening Somaliland-Taiwan partnership is expected to extend beyond security, opening new opportunities for economic growth, digital infrastructure, and regional stability. By aligning with Taiwan, Somaliland is positioning itself to counter external threats and secure its maritime sovereignty—a critical step as the region faces increasing geopolitical tension.
