An Assessment of The Policies and Strategies in Addressing the Problem of Piracy in the Horn of Africa Since 2013

Abstract

The surge in piracy at the Horn of Africa received massive international attention following the incidence of high-profile hijackings and the threat it posed to international commerce. The international community implemented several policies and strategies to curb the menace. This study assesses specific international measures implemented namely, Operation Atalanta, Operation Ocean Shield, Combined Task Force 151, Djibouti Code of Conduct and The Contact Group on Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia. This study is hinged on the theory of International Cooperation to explain how the International Community through coordinated effort achieved a mutually beneficial outcome. This study also assesses the role played by the United States of America in addressing the problem. This study employs the qualitative method of research, making use of both primary and secondary sources. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain relevant primary data from respondents through purposive sampling technique. This study revealed that, these specific international measures have contributed greatly to the decline of pirate attacks in the region since 2013, however, these international efforts are not devoid of challenges as there have been few recent pirate attacks in the region undermining the long-term sustainability of the international measures. Ultimately eliminating piracy requires more robust efforts to tackle the root causes, not solely focusing on naval actions. This study concludes by recommending that, the international community should actively help in rebuilding the state of Somalia by improving upon the economic condition of the citizens and tackling corruption. There is the need for the international community to employ more of diplomatic efforts rather than military engagements in the region. Using effective anti-campaign to conscientize the people of Somalia about the implication of the menace, improving the fishery sector of Somalia, implementing more capacity building initiatives and enhancing cooperation amongst regional states to fully commit to the cause can provide long term solutions to combat the threat of piracy in the region.