Somalia condemns Puntland for "hijacking" ship carrying weapons destined for Mogadishu
The Sea World vessel docked in Puntland last Saturday, where local authorities launched an investigation into its cargo.
The Federal Government of Somalia has condemned what it described as the “hijacking” of a ship transporting weapons and other goods to Mogadishu, stating that its continued detention amounts to an act of “piracy”.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the government demanded the immediate release of the Sea World vessel, asserting that it was carrying legally authorised cargo meant for defence purposes essential to the country’s security and stability—including that of Puntland. It added that the shipment fully complies with both national and international laws.
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"The Federal Government of Somalia categorically denounces the hijacking and aggression against the Sea World vessel. The ship was en route to Mogadishu port, transporting military equipment destined for the Turksom Military Training Centre in accordance with the bilateral defence cooperation agreement between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Republic of Turkey," the statement released by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism says.
The Sea World vessel docked in Puntland last Saturday, where local authorities launched an investigation into its cargo.
"The vessel Sea World, escorted by the Puntland Maritime Police Force, docked this afternoon at the port of Bosaso. An investigation is currently underway into the ship and the weapons it is carrying," Jama Deperani, the Spokesperson of Puntland's State house, said on Saturday.
Mogadishu called for the immediate and unconditional release of the ship, warning that it could take action against maritime zones and coastal landing sites that "serve as hubs for acts of piracy, in violation of both national and international laws".
"As the custodian of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the federal government will not accept any action that endangers the sovereignty of the nation or the security of its waters," the government warned.
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