The Federal Government of Somalia has accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of encouraging pirates to demand ransom for their hijacked ships through his statements and stance.
Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, said a letter issued by the Puntland administration contained a defense that he described as supporting piracy and paying ransoms.
Fiqi said the move sends the wrong message to the groups that hold ships, which he said could encourage them to continue hijacking and demanding ransoms.
“Any money given to pirates further funds these crimes and encourages them to seize other ships,” the minister said.
He also called on governments whose ships are stranded off the coast of Somalia not to pay ransoms, saying that the money would fund piracy and encourage the groups to seize other ships.
The minister said the Federal Government is ready to find a solution for the ships and boats seized by pirates, but insisted that the groups should not be given money to continue their activities.
Meanwhile, Fiqi called on the Puntland President to play a visible role in combating piracy, noting that Puntland has a naval and coastal force that has long received support from the international community.
He said that pirate groups should be pursued on land and on the coast, as those involved in these acts are known, some of whom live in Puntland’s cities and areas.
Recently, a ship called LATUF was released, which was said to be carrying equipment for the Turkisom headquarters. The Federal Government said it forcibly released the ship, while the Puntland administration said that a ransom was paid to the pirates.
