By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Mogadishu, 1 September 2026 - Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi on Tuesday accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of encouraging pirates to demand ransom and called for stronger action against groups holding ships off the Somali coast.
Speaking at the National Internal Security Conference in Mogadishu, Fiqi said Deni had issued a statement that defended pirates and could encourage further ransom demands.
"It is astonishing that the man in charge of the administration has issued a statement defending the pirates, saying that they received money, and telling those who are holding ships to demand money as well," Fiqi said.
Fiqi urged governments whose ships are held not to pay ransom, warning that payments finance further attacks.
"Every dollar you pay to the pirates will further finance this criminal activity. It will encourage them to hijack more ships," he said.
"We are carrying out efforts to free the ships and boats they are holding, but do not fund them. Do not give money to these pirates," Fiqi said.
He called on the Puntland administration to take action and support Somali and internationally backed maritime forces.
He said authorities know the identities and locations of those involved in piracy and questioned why suspects still operate freely.
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"The weapons and resources are coming from people whose names and identities are known," he said.
"It is impossible for a pirate who came from the mainland to move around freely when his identity is known, the neighbourhood where he lives is known, and the cities where he operates are known, yet nothing is being done about him," he added.
His remarks came amid a dispute over the release of the MV LATUF, a vessel seized off the Puntland coast.
The federal government said Somali and Turkish forces freed the vessel, while Puntland disputed that account and alleged ransom was paid to secure its release. The claims have not been independently verified.
Fiqi said Puntland should support national and internationally backed efforts to combat piracy rather than allow ransom payments.
"This is a disgrace," he said.