The Cabinet meeting of the Federal Government of Somalia, chaired by the Acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Saleh Ahmed Jama, approved the Undersea Cables Regulation, to protect the security of the country’s communications, which is essential for strengthening security, independence, and the national communications system.
Undersea cables are the backbone of international communication, as they carry more than 95% of the world’s internet traffic.
And for any country that wants to truly become part of the global digital economy, it is essential to have a transparent legal system to guide the access, establishment, operation, and monitoring of these cables, according to the Ministry of Communications.
The Minister of Communications and Technology of the Government of Somalia, Mohamed Aden Moallim, has strongly welcomed the approval of the Undersea Cables Regulation.
This regulation is based on the National Telecommunications Law (Law No. 005 of 2017) and is also in line with, according to the Ministry of Telecommunications, the Unified Procedures Agreement for Submarine Cables signed on 23 November 2023, and contains several key pillars:
1. Implementing a fair system for the application and granting of licenses related to submarine cables.
2. Establishing an open and competitive market, so that all licensees have equal access to services.
3. Safeguarding national interests, in collaboration with Security, Environment & Climate, Ports and Maritime Transport agencies.
4. Strengthening accountability and legal oversight, to prevent any violations in cable installation areas.
Finally, the Somali Ministry of Communications and Technology noted that it will continue its efforts to ensure that the country has stable, secure, and regulated telecommunications.
