The Washington Post discusses the resurgence of piracy in East Africa, particularly in Somalia, where a recent spate of attacks on ships has raised concerns among maritime security experts. While piracy off the coast of Somalia was a major problem a decade ago, it has largely fallen out of the news in recent years. However, the article argues that the underlying economic and political conditions that gave rise to piracy in the first place have not been addressed, and that the problem could easily reemerge if the international community fails to take action. Specifically, the article notes that poverty, unemployment, and weak governance in Somalia continue to create conditions in which piracy can thrive. Furthermore, the article suggests that piracy has become a low-risk, high-reward activity for many Somalis, who see little alternative to a life of crime. Despite these challenges, the article notes that there are some efforts underway to address the problem, including improved coordination among naval forces, increased investment in Somali communities, and efforts to disrupt the financing of piracy networks. However, the article cautions that these efforts will likely need to be sustained over the long-term if they are to be successful in eliminating piracy as a threat to maritime security in East Africa.
Read this article with me on NowComment:
“East Africa’s Pirates Are Forgotten But Not Gone“
