HARGEISA — Somaliland’s leadership reaffirmed its growing role in safeguarding the Red Sea and Horn of Africa waterways this week, as the Commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard, Admiral Ahmed Hure Haariye, met with senior British defence officials to expand bilateral cooperation on maritime security and regional stability.
The high-level meeting, held in Hargeisa, brought together Admiral Haariye, Deputy Defence Attaché of the British Defence Office in Nairobi, Mr. James Tait, and Head of the British Defence Office in Hargeisa, Mrs. Caitlin, underscoring the United Kingdom’s recognition of Somaliland’s strategic importance in regional maritime affairs.
According to Somaliland’s Coast Guard Command, discussions focused on strengthening operational collaboration and advanced training programs between the two sides — particularly in counter-smuggling operations, maritime surveillance, and the protection of marine resources along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
British officials expressed deep appreciation for Somaliland’s discipline, reliability, and professionalism, citing its record in securing coastal routes used by commercial shipping and humanitarian vessels. Mr. Tait pledged continued U.K. support in technical training, knowledge exchange, and modern equipment, describing the partnership as “strategic, trusted, and long-term.”
Admiral Haariye thanked the British delegation for its partnership and reaffirmed Somaliland’s commitment to maintaining security and environmental stewardship across its maritime domain.
The meeting was also attended by senior officers including Col. Khadar Mohamed Aw Ciise, Col. Ali Hassan, and Col. Abdirahman Nur Col-haye, reflecting the unified command structure that has earned the Somaliland Coast Guard international credibility.
With a track record of self-reliance and operational discipline, Somaliland continues to strengthen its reputation as a reliable maritime partner in one of the world’s most contested strategic corridors — a position increasingly recognized by Western governments seeking stable security anchors in the Horn of Africa.
