Africa: UN Calls for Stiffer Anti-piracy Measures

By Eunice Kilonzo

Despite legislations by countries to avert as well as control piracy along the African coast, the United Nations (UN) is asking member States to strengthen their efforts further. The Security Council adopted a resolution last week calling for tougher anti-piracy measures in Somalia. Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs stressed that current initiatives, while laudable, are insufficient.

“It is important that Member States and international actors redouble their efforts,” said Mr. Zerihoun.

Efforts towards curbing piracy include a naval presence off the coast of Somalia which has resulted in the reduction of incidents of piracy at sea. In addition, more and more pirates are being arrested and prosecuted, and information sharing and coordination have improved.

Mr. Zerihoun noted that the pirates’ technical capacities have increased and have become more violent. Many young Somalis continue to be willing to take the risk of becoming criminals at sea.

“The Somali people, especially the youth, need greater incentives not to succumb to the lure of piracy. Economic rehabilitation and the creation of alternative livelihoods, especially the development and rehabilitation of coastal fisheries, must be at the centre of efforts to fight piracy. But as long as piracy is lucrative, alternate livelihood options will be a hard sale,” he stated.

“Despite these unprecedented efforts, attempts to stem pirate attacks off the Horn of Africa remain insufficient,” Mr. Zerihoun stated, adding that Somali pirates have expanded their operations well into the Indian Ocean.

Another cause of concern is reports of links between pirates and the Islamist militant group in Somalia known as Al-Shabaab, according to the official. Somali piracy could also be inspiring attacks elsewhere on the world’s shipping lanes, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, he added. The Council also condemned piracy and acts of armed robbery off the coast of West Africa. It urged the international community to strengthen efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, where pirates have attacked about 20 ships this year.

Experts have noted that West African pirates tend to attack ships for their cargo, while Somali pirates hold ships and crews for ransom. Pirates in the Gulf of Guinea operate on a smaller scale than pirates in Somalia.