U.N. Reauthorizes Anti-Piracy Ops
On November 10, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York reauthorized international naval action in fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia, stressing that “while the threat from Somali pirates has declined, it still remains a matter of grave concern.”
The UNSC highlighted the important role played by shipsfrom the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and NATO's Operation Ocean Shield, but noted that the primary responsibility lies with Somalia, a country torn apart by 25 years of strife.
“While noting improvements in Somalia, [the Council] recognizes that piracy exacerbates instability in Somalia by introducing large amounts of illicit cash that fuels additional crime and corruption,” the resolution declared.
At its height, piracy off Somalia’s coasts netted scores of vessels, from large container ships to small leisure yachts, resulting in hundreds of people being held hostage and millions of dollars being paid in ransom.
Since the UN first authorized international naval intervention in 2008, the rate of vessel seizures and kidnappings has gradually declined.
Today’s resolution urged flag, port and coastal states to cooperate in prosecuting perpetrators, and proposed specialized anti-piracy courts in Somalia with international participation.The statement also stressed that economic and social development are essential for the lasting eradication of piracy off Somalia.
Separately, a recent report by Colorado-based research organization Secure Fisheries found that renewed fishing by lightly regulated foreign vessels off the coast of Somalia could negatively affect the Somali fishery and its 10,000 fishermen. The recent improvements in security have permitted the return of fishing vessels from Iran, Yemen and other nations to Somalia's territorial seas.
Historically, the conflict between Somali and foreign fishing vessels – among many factors, including the involvement of criminal enterprises run by warlords – has been linked to piracy activity in the region.
The report echoes warnings in March from U.N. and Somali officials regarding the use of illegal fishing as a pretext for renewed piracy. Some Somali government sources and industry representatives have expressed frustration that the international naval forces tasked with stopping piracy have not detained illegal fishing vessels.
"If they have a mandate to protect the [shipping] lanes from the pirates, they have to protect the resources of these poor people against illegal fishing," said Abdiwahid Mohamed Hersi, chief executive of Global Sea Food International, a Somalia company.