Policy on Somali Pirates

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Executive Summary

The problem of the Somali Pirates continues to hurt the international community. The recent attach made by the pirates was on January 17th 12014. Although it was unsuccessful, it sent a strong signal that the pirates are determined, and they are still planning the best ways they can revert to their destructive attacks. The United States use of the Navy to combat piracy has achieved the first phase, which is preventing attacks. It has, however, not achieved the main aim, which is to terminate piracy along the Somali coast. Some factors including lack of effective diplomacy and support from the neighboring countries and the Somali government makes the move difficult. Options available include employing effective diplomatic ties and supporting the Somali government.

Background:

The problems of pirates along the Somali coast have been an international problem since the 1990s. International trade and security have been threatened by the problem prompting response by the international community to combat the problem. The year 2010 alone accounts for more than 12 billion US Dollars in loss through cargo insurance, ransom money, and military protection. Military interventions have been made unsuccessfully by the NATO, European Union, and the United Nations. Somalia is a country dismantled by civil war, making the pirates to enjoy freedom in undertaking their illegal activities. The major factor aggravating the Somali pirate problem is the lack of a central government making the pirates to be commanders of themselves.

Aggravating factors for Somali Pirates:

To the pirates along the Somali coast, piracy is like an economic activity to them. The gains from piracy are very lucrative. An attack from a ship can feed thousands for months. This keeps them moving. It is estimated that piracy profits in Somali amounts to fifty three million US dollars per year. This is a great motivation for the pirates. Further, they attract funding from business people, government officials, militia and religious leaders, clan elders and their people from other countries. It is argued that some people funding the pirates are operating in the outside countries including the United States. The recent development that aggravates the problem is support from local authorities from the Somali coast. This clearly indicates that, if the Somali government is strengthened, an end to piracy along the Somali coast can be realized.

Position of major actors:

Several groups come into play to realize the development of piracy in Somali. Firstly, there is the Somali government that has continually given a deaf ear to the international community concerning the fight for piracy. The Somali government sometimes makes promises to cooperate in ending the problem, but it has not been seen to do so. Secondly, there are the international financiers. These are located in different countries, and they also provide intelligence information to the pirates. Thirdly, there are the local supporters and financiers. These include clan elders and the local government along the Somali coast. Lastly are the pirates. They are organized into groups. There are the attackers, the organizers, the intelligence, and the trainers.

Possible reactions from the groups affected:

The intervention in the Somali piracy question has far reaching potential reactions. Unless these potential reactions are checked, the pirates are going to emerge stronger than before. In the year 2013, the US Navy managed to prevent major attacks by the pirates. However, the pirates are determined to venture more into their actions, as confirmed by their January 17, 2014 attack. Beneficiaries of the piracy are not happy with it and will do anything to be back. These include the local government along the Somali coast, international financiers, local financiers, clan elders and the pirate groups. A lasting solution towards the problem is needed.

Suggested recommendations:

Several attempts by the international community have not been successful in solving the piracy problem. Where success has been realized, it has only lasted for a short period. There is need to embark on proactive measures of solving this problem rather than employing reactive measures alone. The intervention by the US army in the year 2013 is commendable. However, more alternative methods need to be employed to provide a long-lasting solution to the problem. The NATO, the European Union, and the United Nations have tried too, but the problem remains. If this problem is not looked into, it will continue to threaten international trade and security, and losses will continually be realized. This policy paper recommends a combination of two ways of providing a long-lasting solution to the problem.

Supporting the government of Somalia and involving the neighboring countries in a diplomatic manner may end the Somali problem for ever. The main aggravating factor on the pirates is the absence of intervention by the government. The local government in the coast even cooperates with the pirates. Going by this fact, employing military tactics to end piracy can be equated to fighting the government of Somalia, aggravating retaliatory attacks, which can lead to war. Going by this, there is a need to support the Somali government and arouse its commitment to fight piracy. The main advantage of this diplomatic method is that the problem will be dealt with internally. It will be very effective because this government will easily identify the main actors. Further, the advantage of including neighboring countries, like Kenya and Ethiopia is notable. These countries are very close to the Somali coast and can render assistance to the Somali government easily. Further, using a neutral body like the United Nations is recommendable than a single country employing military intervention. It is agreeable that this is an international problem; it needs an international intervention. If this is done, an end to the problem of Somali pirates may be realized.

OUTLINE:

POLICY PAPER ON SOMALI PIRATES:

TO: US Foreign Policy Department

FROM: [Name of student]

SUBJECT: Addressing the Somali Piracy question

DATE: 22nd Feb 2014.

Summary:

The Somali piracy problem has been an international problem over a long period of time. Military intervention has only ended the problem for a short time. There is the need to inform diplomatic efforts to end the problem for ever.

Background:

The Somali piracy problem has existed since 1990s. International trade and security is greatly affected by the problem. Losses are tremendous. Many players are involved. To end the problem, there is needed to look deeply into the whole issue.

Aggravating factors:

Profits from the piracy are a major factor. The support rendered by the local government and also the local leaders, has come up to be very beneficial to the pirates. International financiers are also in play.Major actors:

The major groups into play are international financiers, local government, local leaders, clan elders, local financiers, and the pirate groups.

Potential reactions:

After being defeated in the attacks, the piracy groups re-organize themselves and come back to attack while armed more.

Recommendations:

The policy recommends effective diplomatic intervention that involves neighboring countries, and has a strategy to support the Somali government.