By Asha Elmi - Reporter
United Kingdom, 28 November 2025 – Somalia has formally joined the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), becoming the 111th member of the intergovernmental body that oversees global satellite communications for maritime safety and security.
The accession follows approval by Somalia’s cabinet on 20th November, which ratified the IMSO Treaty.
Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, deposited the instrument of accession with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, who acts as the Depositary of the IMSO Convention.
In a statement today, IMSO Director General Laurent Parenté said:
“The Federal Republic of Somalia has acceded to the IMSO Convention on 27 November 2025, reaching the total membership of the Organization to 111 Parties.”
The accession ceremony on Thursday was attended by the Director General of Mogadishu Port, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Nur, and Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Abdulkadir Abdi Hashi.
More from Somalia
The decision is of great significance given that Somalia’s boasts the longest coastline in mainland Africa measuring about 3,333 kilometres, and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) estimated at 825,000–831,000 km², according to analyses by the World Bank.
Due to Somalia’s strategic location - near key shipping routes through the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean - thousands of vessels transit its waters annually, highlighting the importance of monitoring and maritime safety.
By joining IMSO, Somalia gains access to global satellite-based maritime safety and communication services, including ship monitoring, distress alerting, navigation support, and maritime research. These tools are expected to strengthen oversight of its vast waters and help combat piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats.
Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur said on X (Twitter) that Somalia is committed to modernizing its maritime institutions, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and protecting its coastline from evolving threats.
“With the IMO’s support, we are confident in achieving sustainable maritime security and unlocking the full potential of Somalia’s blue economy,” he wrote.
More from Somalia
CS Aden Duale Unveils New Health Financing Model to Boost Universal Health Coverage
Nov 28, 2025
News
Read more →
US Sets Off Shockwaves as Trump Freezes Migration from “Third- World Countries"
Nov 28, 2025
News
Read more →
Kisumu Targets Regional Hub Status with Upgrades to Vocational Training Centres
Nov 28, 2025
News
Read more →