The effects of piracy on the Somali conflict: a critical Analysis, 2002 - 2012

Abstract

Maritime piracy on the Somalia coastline has been a challenge to not only the Somali economy, but also the world at large. Ship attacking and demand for ransoms has been the coastal line order since the early 1990s. While the existing conflicts in the country have perpetuated the vice, the existence of militia control along the coast has contributed to the increase in the violence. In order to establish a remedy for this vice, this research was conducted with an aim of providing a credible solution to the piracy threat. The research had objectives of establishing the emergence of piracy in Somalia and its impacts. Moreover, it aimed at developing appropriate recommendations to overcome the vice. In order to form a stable study background, the research evaluated historical literature on the rise and fall of stable governments in Somalia and the role of piracy in such. In developing the hypothesis, the study used a narrative literature review methodology and evaluated the political, social and economic impacts of piracy to Somalia and the economy at large. The research established that indeed the ransom money is used to fund militia groups who propagate violence in Somalia. Moreover, it established that piracy increases insecurity in the entire region through propagation of the illegal arms trade under the watch of the militia groups. In addition, the research established that piracy is a security threat to human life regardless of residence location. Consequently, the study recommended the installation of a stable government in Somalia. The study argued that through stable Somalia government, the coastal line pirates control would be reduced, consequently reducing piracy in the region.