Somalia parliament approves anti-piracy and kidnapping bill amid piracy resurgence

Twenty-nine senators voted in favour of the legislation, with none opposed. The chairperson, who presided over the session, did not vote.

The bill, which has already been approved by the House of the People, will now be submitted to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for assent.

If signed into law, it will update Somalia’s legal framework for prosecuting piracy and kidnapping and strengthen the country’s ability to cooperate with international partners in tackling maritime crime.

The legislation comes as piracy has returned as a growing security concern in the waters around Somalia. At least eight hijackings have been reported since April, including two within a two-week period in August.

Updating Somalia’s piracy laws

The new legislation replaces and modernises legal provisions dating back to 1975.

It introduces clearer definitions of piracy and kidnapping, expands jurisdiction over maritime crimes and provides for prison sentences of between five and 20 years. It also sets out procedures intended to strengthen investigations and trials.

The law is intended to bring Somalia’s legal framework closer to international maritime standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Djibouti Code of Conduct.

Somalia’s Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, which submitted the bill, described the legislation as a “pivotal step” towards strengthening maritime security, protecting important trade routes and improving the safety of Somali citizens.

The government has also said the legislation will help create a safer environment for Somali fishermen operating along the country’s coast.

Piracy attacks increase

The parliamentary vote follows a sharp increase in reported pirate activity in 2026.

According to the figures provided, pirates have attacked at least 15 vessels this year, compared with five attacks in 2025. Six merchant vessels are currently being held, with more than 90 seafarers reportedly in captivity.

The latest attacks have also highlighted the growing technological capabilities of pirate groups.

They are reported to be using Starlink satellite internet to track potential targets and communicate more efficiently. Hijacked vessels have also been used as so-called motherships from which further attacks can be launched.

One such vessel, the MV Sward, a cement carrier seized in April, has reportedly been repurposed for subsequent hijackings.

Maritime security analysts have warned that the increase could represent the early stages of a sustained cycle of piracy.

One factor cited is the redeployment of international naval resources towards security threats in the Red Sea, including attacks by Houthi forces. The conflict involving Iran has added further pressure on regional maritime security resources.

The diversion of shipping away from the Red Sea has also changed the pattern of maritime traffic in the region. Around 70% of vessels that previously travelled through the Red Sea are now reportedly taking routes around the Cape of Good Hope, bringing some traffic closer to Somalia’s coastline.

Ransom demands

The resurgence has also raised concerns over the welfare of hostages.

Pirates are reported to have demanded a $10m ransom for eight Egyptian sailors who have been held since May. Their captors have reportedly restricted access to food and water and threatened the crew with death.

The situation has increased pressure on Somali authorities and international maritime organisations to improve the protection of vessels and crews operating in the western Indian Ocean.

Law alone may not be enough

The unanimous parliamentary vote demonstrates the urgency with which Somali lawmakers are responding to the renewed threat.

The legislation could provide a stronger basis for prosecuting pirates and kidnappers and for working with foreign governments on maritime crime cases.

But its effectiveness will depend largely on implementation.

Somalia faces significant challenges in policing its extensive coastline, including shortages of patrol vessels, trained personnel and institutional resources. Coordination between government agencies responsible for maritime security also remains a challenge.

Without sustained investment, the new legislation could provide a stronger legal framework without necessarily giving authorities the capacity needed to enforce it effectively.

Long-term efforts to tackle piracy are also likely to depend on addressing the conditions that have helped pirate networks emerge, including poverty, limited economic opportunities in coastal communities and concerns over illegal fishing.

The renewed attacks have also prompted calls for greater international engagement. With naval resources increasingly focused on other maritime security crises, Somalia and its international partners face the challenge of preventing piracy from becoming an entrenched threat once again.