By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The Federal Republic of
Somalia has acceded to the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the
International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) and its Amending Agreement,
reinforcing the international legal framework that supports the organization's
global mandate.
The accession took effect on
26 June 2026, according to IMSO Director General Laurent Parenté, who welcomed
Somalia’s decision as a significant step in strengthening international
cooperation in satellite-supported maritime communications.
The process was facilitated
with the support of Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport,
Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and the country’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and
Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Abdulkadir
Abdi Hashi.
The Protocol on the
Privileges and Immunities of IMSO provides the legal framework necessary for
the organization to carry out its international responsibilities, while the
Amending Agreement supports the continued evolution of IMSO’s governance and
oversight functions in line with developments in the global satellite
communications sector.
With Somalia’s accession,
the number of States Parties to the Protocol has increased to 50, while the
Amending Agreement now has 22 Parties.
IMSO plays a key role in
overseeing the provision of satellite-based maritime safety and distress
communication services under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
(GMDSS), helping ensure that ships operating around the world have access to
reliable emergency communications.
Somalia’s accession reflects
continued international support for strengthening legal and institutional
frameworks that underpin global maritime safety, secure navigation, and
satellite communications cooperation.
