By Amb. Mohammed Ahmed Awil
The Puntland Government has issued a strong warning to Somalia’s caretaker federal government, accusing senior officials of actions and statements that risk undermining the fight against piracy and potentially encouraging ransom payments to criminal groups.
Puntland says the conduct of the caretaker President and his officials, including the Minister of Defense, raises serious concerns about the government’s position and actions concerning pirate groups involved in the hijacking of vessels in international waters.
According to Puntland, the circulation of unverified claims, political narratives, and rumors surrounding pirate groups and hijacked vessels could weaken international anti-piracy efforts, endanger seafarers, and threaten the security of vital maritime trade routes.
Piracy is a crime—not a political instrument.
Puntland categorically rejects any action by the caretaker government that directly or indirectly facilitates ransom payments to pirates. Ransom payments do more than secure the release of individual vessels: they inject financial resources into criminal networks, strengthen their operational capabilities, and create incentives for further attacks, kidnappings, and maritime insecurity.
The Puntland Government warns that public officials must not become brokers, intermediaries, or advocates for criminal organizations. Any government institution that knowingly facilitates arrangements that strengthen pirate networks could expose the institution and responsible officials to serious national and international legal consequences.
Puntland is calling on the caretaker President, his government, and all relevant authorities to immediately cease any actions or communications that could encourage ransom payments, refrain from spreading unverified information, and cooperate fully with international maritime-security authorities.
It also urges government institutions to place the safety of seafarers, the security of vessels, and the protection of international maritime commerce ahead of narrow political interests.
Puntland says it remains committed to combating piracy and working with international partners to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels in the region.
The message from Puntland is clear: piracy must not be politicized, legitimized, or financed. Criminal networks should be confronted through law enforcement, international cooperation, and coordinated maritime-security efforts—not through political brokerage, misinformation, or ransom payments.
Mohammed Ahmed Awil
Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the People’s Republic of China
gargore.consultants@gmail.com
@m_amb
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