Editorial: Secure Somalia from political piracy

Monday, October 13, 2008

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The UN Security Council last week authorised the use of force in freeing the Kenya-destined arms-laden ship, MV Faina, that is being held by Somali pirates.

For those looking for drama in the high seas, this could work. But freeing a single ship in waters that have become extortion grounds will not work in the long run.

We have always maintained that unless the world unites to resolve the Somalia power equation, the entire horn of Africa area — its waters included — will continue to be a theatre for the pirates seeking to profiteer from illegal deals.

As we watch, a multi-million dollar ransom industry is slowly getting shape. High seas pirates are getting bold, mean, and cheeky and Somalia is providing them with the harbours they need to transact business.

In a word, a lawless state, that sunk as the world watched and gave up, is now threatening international commerce as we know it. That is scaring.

While there are several sideshows on whether the arms were destined for Kenya or to Southern Sudan, the main issues are getting lost and marred in the complex nature of arguments.

But the bottom line remains: the world should do more than securing MV Faina and move on to secure the future of Somalia and its civil population who have a right to live in an orderly country.

Somalia has been on the international docket for far too long. Those born when Siad Barre was deposed in 1991 are now adults. A generation that only knows lawlessness has been made. The UN Security Council must do more than secure MV Faina. It must rescue Somalia from political pirates.

Souce: Business Daily Africa, Oct 13, 2008

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