Curbing Maritime Piracy In International Waters: A Case Study Of The East African Coastline

Abstract

In the 21 st century, maritime piracy has become a profitable business that threaten the lives of seafarers and coastal communities, interferes with global commercial activities that rely on the transit of goods through seaways and disrupt the aquatic environment. This study looks at curbing maritime piracy in International Waters, with the East African Coastline being the case study region. The theoretical underpinning of this study is based on the assumptions of the economic rational choice theoretical that sets to explain the proliferation of piracy through the analysis of economic concepts that are relevant to understanding what drives piracy in the East African coast and further illustrate the role that the international system plays in addressing these issues globally. Data for this study was collected through key informant interviews and secondary data sources from publications and research carried out by reliable and reputable international organizations. The study examines monetary motives, angles of religious fundamentalism, terrorism and perceived acts of nationalism and protection of territorial sovereignty as the causes of maritime piracy in the region. The study then further examines the effects maritime piracy has on the region in an attempt to fully understand the related threats associated with acts of piracy. The study examines the normative and institutional frameworks in existence to control and manage East African maritime piracy with further critical analysis of the role played by the political instability onshore Somalia. Key recommendations based on the findings of this study are pegged on the need to formulate and implement land-based, development- oriented policies that are culturally, politically and economically sensitive. The recommendations in this research project call for the creation of political stability in Somalia, the promotion of good governance, enhancing regional corporation, providing incentives to local clans and addressing illegal, unprotected and unregulated fishing. These policies; if adopted could result in a decrease in piracy activities in the region; resulting in increased maritime security, maritime trade and consequently a rise in the development of the East African coastal countries.