Manila, Philippines — In a significant move to strengthen maritime security in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland and the Philippines have initiated a formal naval partnership following high-level talks in Manila.
The collaboration aims to address ongoing regional challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime instability in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
On May 22, 2025, Somaliland’s Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard, Admiral Khadar Mohamed, met with Admiral Roy A. Echeverri, Commander of the Philippine Navy, to discuss enhancing cooperation through joint training, intelligence sharing, and coordinated patrols.
The discussions focused on establishing a structured partnership to improve security and emergency response capabilities in the strategically vital waters of the Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Regional Context and Strategic Significance
The Horn of Africa remains a hotspot for maritime threats despite a decline in piracy incidents since the late 2000s, thanks to international naval patrols. Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognized by the United Nations, has been actively modernizing its maritime forces.
The Somaliland Coast Guard has recently acquired Defender-class patrol boats from Italy and Sweden, with the Somaliland Maritime Security Coordination Office playing a key role in fostering international partnerships.
“Collaboration with global partners is essential to safeguarding our waters,” said Admiral Mohamed. “This partnership with the Philippines will enhance our operational capabilities and strengthen regional maritime security.”
Philippine Support and Capacity Building
The Philippine Navy, aiming to become a modern, multi-capable force by 2028, brings decades of strategic expertise. Admiral Echeverri, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy’s “SAMBISIG” Class of 1991, emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to fostering maritime security beyond its borders. The partnership will facilitate technical training, intelligence exchanges, and joint exercises, contributing to Somaliland’s efforts to bolster its maritime defenses.
“The Philippine Navy is committed to fostering maritime security beyond our region,” Admiral Echeverri stated. “This partnership aligns with our vision of a secure and stable Indo-Pacific and global maritime domain.”
Geopolitical Implications and Future Outlook
While Somaliland remains unrecognized as a sovereign state, its growing naval engagements signal its determination to secure international support for maritime stability. For the Philippines, the collaboration reinforces strategic interests in protecting vital shipping lanes critical to global trade.
The alliance is expected to lead to joint training programs, intelligence sharing, and coordinated patrols targeting piracy, illegal fishing, arms trafficking, and other maritime threats. As both nations work toward operationalizing their agreement, the partnership could serve as a model for future regional security initiatives.
Youth-Led Reform and Leadership in Somaliland
In a move reflecting Somaliland’s focus on modernization and youth empowerment, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro appointed Colonel Khadar Mohamed Issa as the new Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard. Notably, Colonel Khadar is the youngest officer ever to assume such a senior role in Somaliland’s maritime forces.
Trained in the UK, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Philippines, and Seychelles, Colonel Khadar embodies a new generation of internationally-trained Somali officers. His expertise in maritime security, naval operations, and coast guard interoperability is expected to bring renewed energy and strategic rigor to Somaliland’s frontline institutions.
This appointment comes at a critical juncture, as the waters around Somaliland become increasingly contested due to piracy, arms trafficking, and foreign strategic rivalries. President Irro’s decision underscores a broader reformist agenda emphasizing competence, innovation, and long-term security architecture—moving away from traditional political appointments toward merit-based leadership.
Insiders suggest Colonel Khadar is already engaged in discussions with international partners regarding capacity building, equipment modernization, and digital surveillance enhancements. His leadership aims to transform Somaliland’s Coast Guard into a resilient and credible maritime force, serving as a potential model for other unrecognized or resource-constrained nations seeking to assert maritime sovereignty.
Conclusion
The evolving partnership between Somaliland and the Philippines, coupled with Somaliland’s youth-driven leadership reforms, marks a pivotal step in regional maritime security. As both nations work to operationalize their agreements, their collaboration could influence future security frameworks in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
