November 21, 2008
Experts Seek Stability in Somalia to Check Piracy By Aroonim Bhuyan
Dubai
The spate of ship hijacks off Somalia not only calls for global
naval efforts in the region but also underlines the need to bring
stability to that country, say experts.
The present situation also offers a good opportunity for regional
cooperation as well, diplomats and shipping industry officials said.
"Apart from joint efforts by different navies, the situation offers
a golden opportunity for regional cooperation to help bring
stability to Somalia," an Indian diplomat well versed with the
region told IANS.
"The country has broken down and there is no government institution
in place," he added.
Located on the Horn of Africa, Somalia has not had an effective
central government since president Siad Barre was ousted in 1991 by
forces comprising different clans in the country's northern and
southern regions who were backed by Ethiopia.
Continuous civil wars since then and an invasion by Ethiopia in 2006
have left the country lawless, not at all conducive for
international bodies to operate in.
"The time has come for the international community to come together
and stabilize Somalia. You have to look at the source of the piracy.
"This is a golden opportunity for regional cooperation. By that, I
mean Africa, West and South Asia," the diplomat said.
Explaining the phenomenon of piracy in the region, he said: "Somalis
are basically seafaring people. With the country having broken down,
many turned to piracy in the seas. And as cargo ships are not
guarded - they do not carry any weapons - these become easy and soft
targets."
According to the most recent figures of the International Maritime
Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre, in 2008 there have been 92 attacks
on vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Somalia. Of
this, 36 have been successful hijackings.
The pirates captured a Saudi supertanker, the Sirius Star, a week
ago while it carried crude worth over $100 million. The hijackers
have reportedly demanded $25 million in ransom.
As of now, according to reports, pirates are holding as many as 17
vessels with over 300 crewmembers on board.
The Indian Navy repulsed an attack by Somali pirates in the Gulf of
Aden Wednesday, destroying a pirate 'mother ship'. This led to
renewed calls for joint naval efforts in the region.
"The international community has not taken enough and quick measures
to tackle the pirates," complained George Katout of the Dubai office
of Barry Rogliano Salles, a Paris-headquartered ship broking
company.
"What the Indian Navy did was normal. But you must remember there
are many non-Indian ships plying on those waters," he said, adding
that these ships carried many Indian crewmembers too.
India provides one-sixth of the workers in the global maritime
industry.
According to the Indian diplomat, the stage is perfectly set for a
joint pro-active action by the naval forces of India, Saudi Arabia
and Iran, the three worst sufferers of piracy.
"India is well placed to lead such a joint force because, one, we
are a victim; two, our navy is already on location; and three, we
have the firepower. Also, the sea over there is vast and this is why
patrolling the entire area is very difficult," he said.
Meanwhile, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta said Thursday
that New Delhi was keen on a "collaborative" arrangement with other
countries to take on piracy in that strategic region. He said the
navy was also considering the option of aerial policing to protect
merchant ships.
The Gulf of Aden is vital for global trade and economy. Around 30
vessels owned by Indian companies pass through the Gulf every month
carrying oil and goods worth over $100 billion. Around $450,000 are
being lost every month due to piracy.
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