MOGADISHU— Somalia’s Federal Government has warned that federal member states that fail to comply with the country’s national framework for maritime security will be held accountable, as Mogadishu moves to strengthen cooperation with international partners to counter piracy and illegal fishing along the country’s coastline.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government said it intends to seek support from the United Nations Security Council for operations aimed at combating piracy and other maritime threats that have emerged along the coast of Puntland.

The government pointed to the recent release of the MV Lutuf as an example of international cooperation in Somalia’s maritime security efforts, saying the operation was conducted with the assistance of Turkish forces deployed off the Somali coast.

“Somalia’s maritime security cooperation is implemented in coordination with the Federal Government and is based on cooperation with the federal member states under a unified national security framework with clear accountability,” the ministry said.

The government also reiterated that illegal fishing and violations of Somalia’s maritime laws would not be permitted.

“Somalia’s marine resources are governed by Somali law, while illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing constitutes a violation of Somalia’s sovereign rights as recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” the statement said.

The Federal Government’s warning comes as tensions continue between Mogadishu and Puntland over maritime security arrangements and agreements between Somalia and Turkey.

Puntland has previously said it does not recognize or intend to comply with certain agreements and arrangements reached by the Federal Government with Turkey concerning maritime security and the protection of Somalia’s territorial waters.

The latest statement from Mogadishu underscores the Federal Government’s push for a coordinated national approach to maritime security, while reaffirming its authority over Somalia’s territorial waters and marine resources.

The government said cooperation with international partners would remain central to efforts to combat piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime threats along Somalia’s coastline.