The seizure of a Chinese fishing trawler off the coast of Somalia’s Puntland state in late 2024 highlights the escalating tensions between local fishermen and foreign vessels. Liban Hassan, a 32-year-old fisherman, and a group of local men held the trawler and its crew hostage for seven weeks, claiming they were defending their livelihoods against the destructive practices of foreign fishing fleets. They argue that these trawlers, often operating close to shore, deplete fish stocks, pollute the waters, and even threaten local fishermen with violence. While condemning the hijacking, the Chinese embassy’s statement also inadvertently drew attention to the underlying issue of illegal fishing and its devastating impact on Somali coastal communities.
Liban and his group insist they are not pirates, but rather a community under siege, forced to take drastic measures to protect their traditional way of life. They allege that foreign trawlers, including the captured Chinese vessel, routinely fish within the 24-nautical-mile exclusion zone reserved for local fishermen, often operating as close as two miles from the shore. They claim these trawlers use indiscriminate fishing methods, decimating fish populations and leaving local fishermen with dwindling catches. They also accuse the trawlers of polluting the waters and of using violence against local fishermen who attempt to defend their fishing grounds. The hijackers’ narratives paint a picture of desperation and anger, fueled by a perceived lack of protection from authorities and the existential threat to their livelihoods.
The hijacking itself unfolded in the early hours of November 25th. Liban and his group, after monitoring the Chinese trawler’s movements near the coast, boarded the vessel, overpowering the two armed Somali guards on board. They then rounded up the 18 crew members and ordered the captain to change course. The hijackers moved the trawler along the coast, attempting to evade authorities while negotiating a ransom. EUNAVFOR Atalanta, the European Union’s anti-piracy task force, monitored the situation, confirming the hijacking and the safety of the crew. After weeks of negotiations involving clan elders, local businessmen, and eventually the Chinese ambassador to Somalia and the Puntland president, an agreement was reached, leading to the release of the trawler and crew on January 13th, 2025. The specific terms of the release remain undisclosed, as the Chinese embassy and the trawler’s owners have not commented.
While the hijackers’ actions have garnered some local support, viewing them as defenders against illegal fishing, others strongly condemn their methods. Tribal chief Garad Jama Isse acknowledges the detrimental effects of foreign trawlers but argues that the pirates pose a greater threat to Somali society. He accuses them of exploiting public sentiment for personal gain, enriching themselves through ransom payments while also spreading vices like alcohol and weapon proliferation. He likens the pirates to land-based militias and warns of the potential for them to become increasingly powerful if left unchecked. This division within the community underscores the complex interplay of factors driving the conflict: the desperation of fishermen facing dwindling catches, the allure of quick riches through piracy, and the broader societal concerns about the erosion of traditional values.
The incident raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current measures to combat illegal fishing in Somali waters. While international naval forces have successfully suppressed large-scale piracy, the resurgence of foreign fishing vessels, often operating illegally close to shore, highlights a persistent vulnerability. Allegations of corruption and the issuance of illegitimate fishing licenses further complicate the issue, suggesting a potential nexus between powerful local figures and foreign fishing interests. The lack of transparency and oversight in the licensing process creates an environment conducive to illegal fishing, exacerbating the grievances of local communities and fueling the cycle of violence.
The hijacking of the Chinese trawler serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Somalia’s coastal communities. The decline of piracy has, paradoxically, paved the way for a resurgence in illegal fishing, threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen and driving some to desperate measures. While the hijackers portray themselves as defenders of their community, their actions raise serious concerns about the rule of law and the potential for further violence. Addressing the root causes of this conflict requires a multi-faceted approach, including stronger enforcement of fishing regulations, greater transparency in licensing processes, and support for sustainable fishing practices that empower local communities. Ultimately, the long-term solution lies in creating a framework that ensures both the protection of Somalia’s maritime resources and the economic well-being of its coastal population.
