Mogadishu, 23 July 2025 — The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly condemned the seizure of the Turkish-owned cargo vessel SEA WORLD, accusing forces affiliated with the Puntland administration of hijacking the ship in Somali territorial waters. The vessel, which sails under the flag of the Comoros Islands, was reportedly carrying legally authorized military equipment intended for the TÜRKSON Military Training Centre near Mogadishu, as part of a bilateral defense agreement between Somalia and the Republic of Türkiye.
In an official press release issued by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the Somali government labeled the incident a grave breach of national sovereignty and a violation of both domestic and international law. “The Federal Government of Somalia categorically denounces the hijacking and aggression against the SEA WORLD vessel,” the statement read. It emphasized that the cargo was fully compliant with legal protocols, authorized under existing defense agreements, and also included commercial goods owned by Somali traders.
Citing Article 54 of the Provisional Constitution, the federal government reaffirmed its exclusive mandate over matters of national defense, including maritime security. It accused Puntland of violating this constitutional authority and undermining the unity and territorial integrity of the Somali Republic. “The hijacking of this vessel, carried out by individuals affiliated with the Puntland State, is a direct violation of the Provisional Constitution,” the statement declared.
The Somali government also framed the seizure as an act of piracy under international law, specifically referencing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982. According to the government, any unauthorized interception of a vessel with government-sanctioned cargo qualifies as piracy and constitutes a criminal offense under Somali law.
The federal government issued a list of demands and warnings in the wake of the incident. Chief among them was the immediate and unconditional release of the vessel and its cargo, which it said were essential to national security. It also warned the Puntland administration against further unilateral actions along the coast and called for coordination with federal maritime authorities to ensure the safety of legitimate sea traffic.
“The unlawful seizure of the SEA WORLD vessel compels the Federal Government to take lawful security measures against maritime zones and coastal landing sites that serve as hubs for acts of piracy,” the statement continued. It warned that those responsible would face prosecution under both Somali and international criminal codes.
This incident comes at a sensitive time in Somali politics and security affairs. Tensions between the federal government and Puntland have escalated in recent months over competing claims of authority, foreign partnerships, and resource management. Analysts suggest that the seizure of the vessel may have broader geopolitical implications. The involvement of Turkish military assistance and the backdrop of increasing foreign competition in Somalia, particularly between the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and other regional actors—adds a new layer of complexity to the crisis.
“The Somali government sees this as more than just a regional skirmish,” said Dr. Anthony Walker, a Horn of Africa analyst based in Nairobi. “This is about enforcing the federal constitution and resisting external and internal actors who seek to fragment Somali sovereignty.”
The international community has swiftly condemned the actions of the Puntland administration, with several governments and international organizations denouncing the seizure as an act of piracy and a threat to regional stability. Observers have expressed alarm that a semi-autonomous regional leadership is resorting to unlawful maritime aggression against a partner-supported shipment, drawing parallels to organized piracy.
The federal government concluded its statement with an appeal to all Federal Member States to respect the constitutional division of powers and refrain from interference in areas of exclusive federal jurisdiction, particularly defense and maritime security. “Any unauthorized interference threatens both national and regional security,” the statement warned.
As the situation develops, the government’s response will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. The coming days are likely to shape not only Somalia’s internal federal dynamics but also its foreign relations and regional standing.
