The impact of maritime piracy on World Food Programme (WFP) aid operations in Somalia, 2007-2009

Abstract

Maritime piracy in Somalia flourished due to political tunnoi1 and the strategic location at the Horn of Africa. In early 1990s, ships sailing near Somalia have been attacked by pirates and thereafter, the intensity has increased. The dramatic increase in ship hijacking and anned robbery in the Indian Ocean near Somalia poses a serious security concern for all nations and organisations operating in the high seas. Every year, nearly one hundred and sixty five thousand ships pass through the Gulf of Aden, carrying valuable cargo, such as oil or food aid enroute to Africa, Europe and the America. This study sought to establish the impact of Somalia maritime piracy on WFP aid operations during the period 2007 and 2009 by looking at the historical background of the Somali people and the collapse of the Somali government in the early 1990s, examined the structure of Somali pirate network to understand how they are organised, and operate. The study explored two theories of international relations: realism and international regime theory and analysed how they will help nation states and international institutions to come up with policies that can end piracy. The major data collection instrument used was interviews. Interviews conducted provided divergent views on Somali piracy. The two key findings emerging from the study is the engagement of Somali youth in piracy and the dramatic growth of piracy due to lack of effective government to police Somali waters. Poverty, lack of employment and a volatile security and political situation all contribute to the rise and continuance of piracy in Somalia. Somalia is a country where legitimate business is difficult, and instability and violence make death a very real prospect, the dangers of engaging in piracy must be weighed against the potentially massive returns. Based on the findings from this study, the information adds to the knowledge on the on going study on the impact of Somali maritime piracy on WFP aid operations in Somalia. From the study, the researcher gave out some recommendation on mechanims and approaches for disrupting and addressing the maritime piracy off Somalia coast such as restoring peace in Somalia with the hope of ending piracy.