Somalia piracy facts , map and statistics | Strange Military Stories

Somalia piracy

Somalia Piracy occurs in the Gulf of Aden, Somali Sea and territorial waters.In the early modern times, the territory of Somaliland was occupied by three colonial players. One part was occupied by British, the second by Italy and the third by the French. The part occupied by the French became a new state called Djibouti. The rest of Somaliland gained independence in 1960. In 1960, there was a coup by Siad Barre wherein took over the control of the state. Opposition rebels began to fight against Siad Barre. 

Two prominent opposition groups emerged, namely, the Somalia National Movement (SNM) and the United Somalia Congress (USC). The two parties, SNM and USC, started controlling the northern and southern territories and succeeded in ousting Siad Barre in 1991. Despite the ousting of Barre, no united government emerged as factionalism grew to the extent where tribal warlords began to assert control over their clans, creating a situation of complete anarchy. The tribal clans turned to piracy to sustain themselves. Absence of a stable centralised government since 1991 has aggravated stability issues making Somalia politically fragile.

Somalia piracy ship

Due to rise in piracy, the cost of transporting goods has increased. The ships have started circumventing the area in favour of a longer route in deep sea to avoid piracy. Shipping firms have increased security on board of ships. The insurance firms have hiked the premiums. All this have led to an increase in the cost of trade. Nations have resorted to resolutions at the UN level. These UN level resolutions have legalised naval presence in Somali water. Countries have stationed their navies to protect the sea lines of communication. 

India has also likewise increased its naval presence in the Horn of Africa. India has urged the UN to track the ransom money being paid by help of international agencies like Interpol. India has been advocating that all joint anti-piracy operations (JAPO) be brought under the UN ambit and domestically all nations create laws to criminalise piracy. Indian Navy has been protecting sea lines of communication since 2008.

 The Indian coast guard has established new district head offices in Kavaratti and in Minicoy. Through naval presence in Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives, India has been able to keep the pirates in check. India has also clarified in an annual report released by the Ministry of Defence that the Indian Ocean region is central to Indian interests and piracy in the region is a cause of serious concern to combat, which the Indian Navy is ready to play a critical role in the region.

The long-term solution lies in international collaboration to criminalise ransom payment and under take adequate social engineering to create a unified society in Somalia. A stable government, skills to population and creation of jobs in the fishing industry can help in a big way in future.

Somalia Piracy map

Somalia Piracy map

Somalia Piracy Statistics

Somalia Piracy Statistics

Somali Piracy attacks are calm from 2012.

For IMB Piracy & Armed Robbery Map 2020 Visit their official site