Somalian Pirates: The Problem, Central

¶ … Somalian Pirates: The Problem, Central Issues, and Potential Solutions

Attacks by Somalia pirates who demand large ransoms for the return of captured vessels near the Horn of Africa continue to represent a serious threat to a broad spectrum of American and international interests (Counter Piracy and Maritime Security, 2011).

The number of attacks annually by Somali pirates has increased since 2008 and now numbers in the hundreds; the incidence of piracy has subsequently spread beyond the immediate coast of Somalia as far away as the Gulf of Oman and the western Indian Ocean (Background note: Somalia, 2011).

The primary national and international response remains limited in effectiveness (Counter Piracy and Maritime Security, 2011).

Central Issues

Since 1990, Somalia has practically been a failed state with per capita GDP (2010 est.) of just $600 (Background note: Somalia, 2011).

Warlords rule the countryside and ethnic conflict remains a source of violence in many part of the country (Background note: Somalia, 2011)

Ineffective central government has little or no sway outside of national capital (Background note: Somalia, 2011).

Potential Solutions

U.S. Response to Somalian Piracy. Fighting piracy is a vital element of the United States' strategic objectives in Somalia, which are to help this stressed nation to regain stability, eliminate terrorism, and respond to the humanitarian needs of its people. United States actions, taken in concert with those of other concerned countries, are consistent with its traditional interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and safety of the seas, and in protecting American citizens and ensuring access to essential resources (The United States Response to Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, 2011, p. 1). This is an area that could be enhanced through additional cooperation with the Contact Group discussed below.

International Community's Response to Somalian Piracy. To date, the primary response by the international community to maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia has been to employ combined international naval forces to protect commercial shipping (Maritime Piracy and Related Kidnapping for Ransom, 2011). In addition, in January 2009, the international community launched a coordinated initiative targeted at stopping pirate attacks in Somali waters called the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (Counter Piracy and Maritime Security, 2011).