Somali Piracy Resurges Amid Economic Hardship
In the coastal town of Eyl, Somalia, piracy is making a comeback after years of dormancy. Somali fishermen, facing economic devastation and illegal fishing, are once again turning to piracy, echoing the region’s infamous 2000s piracy boom.
Between 2023 and 2024, pirate attacks surged, with 22 reported incidents in 2024 alone. The resurgence has been fueled by grievances over foreign trawlers accused of stealing catches, damaging equipment, and even killing local fishermen.
From Fishermen to Pirates
Farah and Diiriye, two fishermen turned pirates, shared their story in a rare interview. Their grievances stem from incidents of violence and theft by foreign vessels operating illegally in Somali waters.
“We work and live by the sea. When someone intimidates you and robs you, it is compulsory to fight,” says Farah.
Both men, now in their 30s, say they were forced into piracy to survive. Despite knowing its dangers and moral implications, they see no alternative to support their families.
Illegal Fishing and Its Consequences
Illegal fishing has been a longstanding issue in Somalia, with foreign trawlers from China, Iran, Yemen, and others accused of operating without proper licenses.
- Fishing vessels reportedly steal equipment and fish from Somali waters.
- Fishermen recount violent encounters, including attacks that left locals injured or dead.
- Somalia loses an estimated $300 million annually to illegal fishing, according to the US Embassy in Mogadishu.
These grievances have rekindled resentment and driven some fishermen to piracy in retaliation.
The Economics of Piracy
Piracy is not a lone effort. It involves syndicates where financiers provide boats, weapons, and supplies. Armed with AK-47s and RPGs, pirates spend weeks at sea, targeting medium-sized vessels for ransom.
For example, pirates claim a $5 million ransom for the MV Abdullah, a vessel hijacked in March 2024. While this has not been confirmed by the ship’s owner, it highlights the lucrative nature of piracy for those involved.
A Legacy of Violence and Addiction
The rise in piracy has left scars on local communities:
- Eyl’s elders lament the introduction of drugs and alcohol during piracy’s boom years.
- Young men addicted to substances like khat and opioids struggle to break free from this cycle.
- Widow Hawa Mohamed Zubery recalls how her husband disappeared at sea, leaving her to raise their children alone.
Combatting Piracy and Illegal Fishing
Efforts to curb piracy include:
- EU Naval Forces (Operation Atalanta): Patrolling Somali waters to prevent hijackings.
- Puntland Maritime Police Force: Working with international partners to enhance security.
Rear Admiral Manuel Alvargonzález Méndez believes Somali waters are safer today, but admits illegal fishing remains a challenge.
Puntland Information Minister Caydid Dirir acknowledges issues with fake fishing licenses and unregulated activities, but insists progress is being made.
The Way Forward
Piracy’s resurgence underscores the urgent need for economic solutions. Both pirates and officials agree that job creation is key to deterring piracy.
“If young people have jobs, they won’t think about heading to the sea and hijacking ships,” says Puntland Maritime Police Force commander Farhan Awil Hashi.
For Farah and Diiriye, their actions are born out of desperation rather than choice. As Farah puts it:
“Fishing no longer pays. Hijacking ships is the only way to support our children.”
External Link: Learn more about Somali piracy at BBC News.
Internal Link: Explore global maritime security trends at Kenkou Land.
