Somalia’s maritime capabilities received a major boost with the inauguration of a new, state-of-the-art maritime facility for the Somali Police Force (SPF) in the capital, Mogadishu, funded by the European Union and developed by the United Nations.
“In recent years Somalia has expanded its maritime law enforcement capability, allowing the SPF to deliver safety and security around Mogadishu Port and along Somalia’s coastline. This furnished and equipped base will allow the SPF to become increasingly more effective,” the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said in her remarks at the inauguration ceremony.
“For Somalia to continue expanding its ‘blue economy’ and benefit from wealth generating opportunities its vast coast offers, maritime security and law enforcement will need to continue playing an enabling role,” she added, while also noting that the facility will support the development of Somalia’s ocean governance structures.