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Global Efforts to Prevent Financial Crime in Somalia Gain Momentum

Mogadishu, Somalia - A Step Towards Stopping Transnational Organized Crime

In a bid to stem the tide of transnational organized crime, terrorism, and corruption plaguing Somalia, global efforts to prevent financial crime have gained significant momentum. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been at the forefront of these efforts, with Executive Director Ghada Waly highlighting the daunting challenges faced by Somalia.

Vulnerabilities Extend Beyond Borders

Speaking in Mogadishu, Ms. Waly emphasized that the country’s vulnerabilities extend far beyond its borders, posing a direct risk to international peace and security. “Somalia faces a complicated crisis, marked by terrorism, piracy, poverty, and the consequences of climate change,” she said. “These threats have an impact far beyond Somalia, affecting shipping routes, trade vessels, and seafarers.”

Key Challenges Faced by Somalia

• Illicit trafficking of firearms: Supplies terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab
• Migrant smugglers: Operate along Somalia’s northern coast, transferring people towards the Arabian Peninsula
• Unregulated foreign fishing fleets: Exploit Somalia’s marine resources, threatening biodiversity and livelihoods in the Indian Ocean

UNODC Efforts to Address Challenges

To address these challenges, UNODC has been working closely with the Somali government to establish a Mogadishu Prison Court Complex (MPCC). Conceived, designed, and delivered by UNODC, the MPCC is a center for the administration of justice, providing a secure environment for the judiciary and a humane setting for prisoners.

Key Features of the MPCC

• Two courtrooms
• Three prison blocks with a capacity of 700 beds
• Accommodation for judges to reduce the need for road travel during trials

Ms. Waly said, “It provides a secure environment for the judiciary and a humane setting for prisoners, fostering rehabilitation and long-term security.”

Combating Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia

While piracy had declined in recent years, geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea have escalated insecurity and affected shipping routes. Pirates have increased operations with impunity along the Somali coast, posing a direct risk to international peace and security.

UNODC Efforts to Combat Piracy

• Training law enforcement officers: On how to detect, interdict, and prosecute illicit trafficking and maritime crimes
• Providing essential marine communications and maritime equipment: To support law enforcement

Ms. Waly reiterated UNODC’s commitment to continue and expand its work in Somalia. “Today, we write another chapter in Somalia’s story of resilience and hope, for a future where every Somali citizen can live in peace, security, and dignity,” she said.

Global Efforts to Prevent Financial Crime in Somalia are Gaining Momentum

UNODC is working closely with the Somali government to address the country’s vulnerabilities and combat transnational organized crime, terrorism, and corruption.