Somali Pirates: Vigilantes Turned Corrupt

            After reading the articles and discussing in class, I agreed that the Somali pirates were acting out of necessity to protect their country’s resources by preventing illegal dumping and fishing in its waters. I considered them to be a “coast guard” because they were protecting the waters for the sake of all Somalis, regardless of the widespread international opinion that they were acting as pirates. I thought that because there was no other option for enforcement, the Somali pirates were justified to act illegally and seize property in exchange for money. I also assumed that the money would somehow benefit the families and networks of the pirates and thus benefit Somalia in some way.

            It was clear from class discussion, however, that our view of the Somali pirates would change drastically if we found that their intentions were not as honorable as had been portrayed. Their status as “vigilantes” depends greatly on their actions; if their motives are selfish, it would be correct to call them pirates and attempt to put an end to their illegal actions. After further researching the actions of the so-called Somali coast guard, it is clear that they are in fact pirates. Because their illegal actions no longer benefit the Somalis and Somali resources they once set out to protect, the international community should attempt to put an end to Somali piracy.

            Somali pirates started out demanding “fees” for foreign ships fishing illegally in their waters. They also sometimes robbed U.N. ships carrying food in an attempt to distribute the food to refugee camps instead of allowing the shipments to be seized by warlords. While these acts of piracy were first noble, today’s Somali pirates are almost solely concerned with the multi-millions in ransom they can collect from seizing foreign ships.  Thus, these pirates can become extremely wealthy and seek out luxurious lifestyles in a country widely affected by poverty and famine. In class we debated whether this would still somehow benefit other Somalis—either by buying goods and services or simply sharing their wealth with others. While this may be the case to an extent, much of the wealth garnered by Somali pirates has escaped the country as they seek out luxury homes in places like Kenya.

            Additionally, the Somali pirates are not just failing to share their riches with other Somalis—they may actually be harming the food supply of millions of Somalis. Because of the high number of attacks by pirates, it has become increasingly difficult for the U.N. to continue sending provisions. Now, foreign warships must ride alongside the food ships to stand guard and protect against piracy. Naval deployments are very expensive, however, making this practice unsustainable in the long run. If countries cannot continue accompanying U.N. aid ships, it may disband shipments to Somalia altogether, which could lead to widespread starvation.

            Finally, Somali pirates are no longer just targeting the boats that are illegally fishing or dumping. They are targeting any and all ships, including passenger ships, and disrupting legal, commercial trips. Because the Somali pirates are not providing any wealth to other Somalis and are potentially threatening the food supply of millions of Somalis, their only reasonable justification for piracy would be to protect the environment. It is clear, however, that these pirates are no longer acting to protect Somalia’s resources because they are seizing ships that will just yield the most in returns.

            For these reasons, it is important for the international community to attempt to put an end to the Somali pirates to protect international trade and the residents of Somalia. I agree with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom that countries should not negotiate with pirates because it perpetuates acts of piracy after proving that pirates can become extremely wealthy. In the case of Somalia piracy, there is low risk and high reward. They are not accountable to any stable government, so they do not fear judicial punishment.  Although the use of force is not preferable, it may be time for the international community to work together to disable this network of pirates. The U.N. has passed a resolution allowing for the invasion of Somalia to stabilize the government and potentially eliminate the pirates, but the U.S. has been hesitant to act based on its unsuccessful history in Somalia.  Regardless, because so much international trade must pass through Somali waters, and because it would be unwise for ships to fight back themselves, an international attempt to end Somali piracy is necessary.