Prosecution of Somali Piracy Leaders Crucial

Prosecution of Somali Piracy Leaders Crucial

Piracy activity in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean has declined significantly, as concluded by the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in a report on Somalia.

However, networks supporting piracy are still operating and the threat of piracy remains, the Council said.

“The EU is deeply concerned by the news of the recent release of a pirate leader, in Mogadishu, and reiterates the urgent need for the Somali authorities to end impunity of piracy network leaders and strengthen the rule of law,” the report read.

According to the EU, the main issue that remains to be done to disrupt piracy networks’ operational capabilities is the prosecution of piracy leaders.

Therefore, the EU calls on Somali authorities to take concrete measures towards the establishment of such legislative framework pertaining to piracy and maritime crime.”

The EU also noted that new threats such as trafficking in human beings and drugs, illegal trade in charcoal, smuggling of migrants and proliferation of small arms and light weapons require increasing attention.

The Union said it would continue to play its role in fighting piracy including through its CSDP missions as well as in its capacity as Chair of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) in 2014.

The counter-piracy efforts include Operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA which is set to last until December 2016.

World Maritime News Staff