The Commander of Somaliland Coast Guards, Admiral Ahmed Hurre Haariye, has issued a warning to the Somaliland population who visit the coastal towns in the country for tourism. He urges them to work closely with the agency to ensure their safety and well-being. According to Haariye, many Somaliland people go on vacation during Eid celebrations to tourist areas in the coasts of Somaliland, including Berbera. He emphasizes that the Coast Guards are the sole agency responsible for the security in the sea and have the authority to decide on areas where people are permitted to swim. Haariye states, “To ensure your safety, it is important to consult with the Coast Guards to know which areas are secure. We have noticed many violations claiming to be responsible for the security of Somaliland’s sea. Some of these are NGOs, while others are government agencies that have no authority over the security of the coasts.” He clarifies that the only agency responsible for the security of the sea is the Coast Guards and warns that other agencies have no involvement in this matter. Haariye also mentions that the law clearly states which agency is responsible for the security in the sea. He further adds that the Coast Guards have a special hotline number that operates 24 hours a day. He urges anyone in need of emergency rescue operations to contact this number, as rescue operations will be provided to those who call. During Eid celebrations, thousands of residents from Borama, Buroa, and Hargeisa visit Berbera and other coastal areas in the country for their holidays. However, there have been instances where these individuals have faced risks while swimming in the beaches.
