Somalia: EU Commits to Fighting Piracy

By George Okore

MOMBASA---Despite lack of effective courts of law in Somalia to try piracy suspects, the European Union has promised to continue supporting a joint military offensive along the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa coastline.

Hosting the first ever media day on counter piracy operations aboard EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Spanish flagship- ESPS PATIÑO at Kilindini Port, Mombasa, EU officials  said the military operation along the coastline has led to reduction of piracy attacks.

EUNAVFOR, which has been battling piracy since its creation in 2008, recently had its term extended to 2014. It also aims to protect World Food Programme (WFP)   and AMISOM operations. EUNAVFOR also monitors illegal fishing and other economic crimes along the expansive coastline. Thursday’s media event hosted by EUNAVFOR heard that despite decreased piracy cases, but the number of warships will be doubled by May to deal with the extra-threats.

Each of the EU navies led the big battle for a specified period of at least six months.

EU Head of Delegation to Kenya Lodewijk Briet said through comprehensive approach, successful prosecution of suspected pirates has been achieved. He said EU is training soldiers in Uganda for future   deployment in Somalia.  

EUNAVFOR Commander Jorge Manso (Spanish Navy) highlighted the mission – codenamed ‘Operation Atalanta’ which has made significant achievements, using EU Naval Force warships to deter and disrupt piracy on the high seas. The Spanish logistical vessel- SPS PATINO undertook 130-day operation and supplied 2.7 million litres of fuel to the five warships involved in the multi-million battle against piracy. It had a crew of 231 officers of which 21 were women.

Rear Admiral Manso praised the successful cooperation and coordination with other counter-piracy forces, such as NATO and Combined Maritime Force (CMF). “We have a distribution of ships along the coast to keep pirates in the seaside. We ensure the piracy action groups do not go to sea, but they always come to sea,” he said.

Spanish Ambassador to Kenya Javier Herrera said aboard the ship that Spain has been in the operation since the beginning and the deployment costs Spanish taxpayers US$1million daily. The ship sailed from Mombasa on Friday.

French Ambassador to Kenya Etienne de Poncins said France is an important player in the various issues affecting the region and expressed his country’s strong commitment to the initiative. He said a French frigate (ACONIF) will arrive in Mombasa next month to continue with the fight against piracy. She will arrive on April 7.