The UN’s chief for preventing crime promises increased collaboration in Somalia.
While on a mission to the Horn of Africa nation, on Friday Executive Director Waly emphasized the fact that Somalia is dealing with overwhelming difficulties, including terrorism, renewed piracy, poverty, and the impacts of climate change.
A complicated crisis
While talking to UN News in Mogadishu, Ms. Waly addressed the interconnected dangers of piracy, unlawful fishing, various forms of trafficking and smuggling, and terrorism, all fueled by money laundering and corruption.
The repercussions of these dangers extend beyond Somalia. The trafficking of firearms through the Gulf of Aden provides resources to Al-Shabaab and other terrorist organizations, while smugglers in Somalia’s northern coast transport individuals to the Arabian Peninsula.
Meanwhile, unregulated foreign fishing vessels are taking advantage of Somalia’s marine resources, putting biodiversity and livelihoods in the Indian Ocean at risk.
Mogadishu coast, Somalia.
According to Ms. Waly, the challenge of regulating the vast coastline and air travel in Somalia makes drug trafficking an increasingly concerning issue.
Resilience and the rule of law
The incident in 2013 at the Banadir Court Complex in Mogadishu, carried out by the militant organization Al-Shabaab, serves as a sobering demonstration of the difficulties faced. The casualties, including 30 fatalities, and destruction of the court complex dealt a significant blow to the justice system of Somalia, according to Ms. Waly’s observations.
In the meantime, the judicial system had suffered from terrorist attacks.
Enhancing the legal system, a crucial aspect for any government, is especially necessary in a country facing challenges such as terrorism, organized crime, and corruption. This is why Somalia and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have collaborated in establishing the Mogadishu Prison Court Complex (MPCC).
Mogadishu prison and court complex.
The UNODC was responsible for creating, planning, and implementing the MPCC in direct reaction to the assault on the Banadir Court Complex. This serves as a demonstration of the UN’s long-standing partnership with the Government of Somalia.
Ms. Waly, while in Mogadishu for the opening of the MPCC, stated that the facility now functions as “a hub for dispensing justice”. The complex includes two courtrooms, three prison blocks with a total of 700 beds, and housing for judges to minimize the necessity for traveling during trials.
“It promotes a safe atmosphere for the legal system and a compassionate atmosphere for incarcerated individuals, encouraging rehabilitation and future safety.”
This is the newest development in a line of building and remodeling endeavors backed by UNODC to enhance Somalia’s legal and correctional system.
From 2010 onwards, UNODC has built new prisons, refurbished existing detention centers, and constructed Ministry of Justice structures and other security sector facilities in Mogadishu, Bosasso, Garowe, and Hargeisa.
Preventing piracy
“According to Ms. Waly’s statement to UN News, the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia, which posed a global threat for many years, has seen a recent decline. However, promoting the rule of law extends beyond Somalia’s borders.”
However, the current geopolitical situation in the Red Sea has resulted in increased insecurity and disrupted trade routes. It is estimated that there has been a 50% decline in the number of trade ships passing through the Gulf of Aden due to attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen. These attacks, which the rebels claim to be in solidarity with Gaza, have contributed to this decrease in trade activity.
Due to the international community’s distraction, pirates have been carrying out more operations with increased freedom along the coast of Somalia.
A member of the Somali coast guard launching a patrol boat off the coast of Mogadishu.
Beginning in November 2023, individuals known as “pirates” have taken control of dhows, a type of traditional sailboat commonly used in the area. These individuals then used the dhows to carry out targeted attacks on larger ships as part of a command-and-control strategy.
Ms. Waly expressed concern that these challenges not only jeopardize global peace and security, but also put the lives of seafarers at risk and disrupt important trade routes that are essential for economic stability, food security, and sustainable development for many nations.
UNODC is providing training to law enforcement personnel on how to identify, prevent, and prosecute illegal trafficking and crimes committed at sea in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean in order to improve maritime security.
The UNODC is furnishing vital marine communication and maritime equipment to assist with law enforcement. In Mogadishu, Ms. Waly officially presented a repaired patrol vessel and communication tools to the Somali Police Coast Guard.
A patrol boat from the coast guard is deployed in the vicinity of Mogadishu, Somalia.
Ms. Waly reported that the UNODC is assisting Somalia in enhancing their ability to combat piracy by implementing various initiatives. These efforts include improving operational capacities and legal structures for prosecuting pirates, as well as facilitating collaboration in maritime security within the region.
Ms. Waly restated the UNODC’s dedication to persist and broaden its efforts in Somalia.
“Today marks another significant step in Somalia’s journey towards resilience and aspirations for a peaceful and dignified future for all its citizens,” she declared.
The source of this information is the United Nations website.
