Category Archives: News

Oceans Beyond Piracy presented its third annual assessment of the Economic Cost of Somali Piracy 2012 (ECoP 2012). This year’s assessment, like the one before it, considered nine separate cost categories and found that maritime piracy cost the global economy between $5.7 and $6.1 billion in 2012. This figure reflects a drop in the cost of piracy to the global community of around $850 million, or 12.6% from 2011. This updated report studies not only the human cost of Somali Piracy, but also examines the threat of piracy to seafarers in the waters off West Africa. It further discusses the long-­term psychological and financial difficulties faced by seafarers following attacks and periods of time spent in captivity. The detailed report … Continue reading

The EU will provide some €37 million to strengthen the fight against piracy in several Eastern and Southern African countries through support for the Programme to promote Regional Maritime Security (MASE). In the past decade, the level of maritime insecurity in the region’s waters has become the highest in the world, undermining development and affecting the wellbeing of millions of people. The EU has been present in the region already since 2008 to address the deteriorating situation and to harden ships against attack. Thanks to these efforts piracy has decreased from 299 attacks in 2011 to 111 in 2012 (a reduction of over 62%), while the number of hijackings dropped from 25 to 12. So far, attacks remain at this … Continue reading

The conference took place to provide international support for the Government of Somalia as they rebuild their country after two decades of conflict. At the Somalia Conference in London on 7 May, the international community came together to agree practical measures to support the Federal Government’s plans in three key areas – security, justice and public financial management. In addition, the Federal Government presented its vision for the implementation of federalism, the adoption of a permanent constitution, and holding of elections. The conference also agreed to work together to tackle sexual violence in Somalia. During the conference, Somali Government ministers shared detailed plans for developing the country’s armed forces, police, justice sector and public financial management systems. The international community … Continue reading

DAR ES SALAAM, March 8 (BERNAMA-NNN-DAILYNEWS) — President Jakaya Kikwete has said that the government of Tanzania will, invariably, carry out fair trial for suspected Somali pirates arrested in the Indian Ocean. He noted that the country has a dynamic, independent judiciary. Responding to a question from journalists at a joint Press Conference with visiting Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, President Kikwete said, however, that despite having an independent judiciary, there was a need for the country to improve prison conditions in conformity with International standards. Before holding the press conference; President Kikwete and the Danish Prime Minister witnessed the signing of two agreements. The agreements include Conditions and Transfer of Suspected Pirates and armed robbers; Seized Tanzanian property and … Continue reading

HARGEISA, Somalia Mar 7 2013 (Garowe Online) – The north western breakaway region of Somaliland, expressed discontent over the UN Security Council decision to partially lift the 21 year old arms embargo ban on Somalia, Garowe Online reports. The Somaliland government’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamed Abdullahi Omar, spoke to BBC Somali Service on Thursday and stated that the Security Council did not evaluate the consequences of the partial lift. “We [Somaliland] recognize the decision by the Security Council as a decision that was not properly examined nor assessed. And we believe it is ill-timed an decision that could bring insecurity to East Africa”, said Minister Omar. In the Britain proposed resolution passed on Wednesday, the Security Council member state reasoned … Continue reading