Somaliland Coast Guard Pledges to Help Secure Bab al-Mandab Amid Rising Red Sea Threats

Haatufomline,July 25,2026

The Commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard and Navy, Admiral Ahmed Hari Hariye, has reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to contributing to the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait in coordination with regional and international partners, as escalating instability continues to threaten one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.

Strengthening Maritime Security Cooperation

Admiral Hariye on Friday said Somaliland remains committed to upholding international maritime law and expanding cooperation with friendly countries and international stakeholders to safeguard freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted flow of global trade through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. He stressed that securing the strategic waterway is a shared international responsibility requiring close coordination among regional actors.

Strategic Importance

Linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, the Bab al-Mandab Strait carries a significant share of global commerce and energy supplies. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has immediate consequences for international trade, energy markets and regional stability, making maritime security an increasingly urgent priority.

Escalating Regional Tensions

The statement comes as the Red Sea continues to experience heightened security tensions following repeated attacks against commercial shipping and growing threats to maritime traffic. These developments have prompted intensified regional and international efforts to strengthen naval cooperation and ensure the safety of vital sea lanes.

Somaliland’s Security Record and Expanding Maritime Role

The announcement underscores Somaliland’s ambition to play a more prominent role in maritime security on the African side of the Red Sea. Through its expanding engagement with regional and international partners, Somaliland is seeking to enhance its contribution to protecting international navigation, combating maritime threats and supporting stability in the Bab al-Mandab .
It also highlights Somaliland’s long-standing maritime security record. Over the years, Somaliland’s Coast Guard has helped keep the country’s more than 850-kilometre coastline and territorial waters largely free from terrorist infiltration, piracy, the smuggling of illicit goods, and human and wildlife trafficking. Hargeisa says this experience provides a strong foundation for expanding its contribution to regional maritime security and the protection of international shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.