What do somali pirates want

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also announced that the U. But despite the threat of escalating attacks against Somali pirates on the mainland, the BBC reported three more hijackings on Wednesday, including an Indonesian tugboat, Turkish cargo ship, and a private yacht. Backdraft Podcasts. Developed by Vico Rock Media. New Security Beat. Subscribe: rss mail-to.

As conditions in the country continue to deteriorate, more and more Somali youth have turned to piracy to make a living. With 45 percent of the population under 15 , the Failed States Index ranked Somalia as the state with the most demographic pressure tied with Bangladesh.

UNODC has been engaged in the process of formulating an adequate response to the challenge of piracy off the coast of Somalia over the past few months. The main focus has been on strengthening the judicial response in countries of the region so that suspected pirates can be brought to trial. UNODC is gearing up its support to States of the region, including by providing assistance to prosecution services, carrying out specialized training for police and maritime authorities and providing support to witnesses and in trial procedures and prison management.

There is no let up to piracy attacks around the Horn of Africa. Last year, off the coast of Somalia, bandits from one of the world's poorest countries attacked more than ships from some of the richest.

One out of three attacks was successful: twice the total for and four times How can the number of attacks be cut in ? Somali pirates are in it for the money, not for ideology. They are armed robbers and hostage takers seeking ransom. In towns up and down the Somali coast, ransom money is buying houses, cars, power, bimbos and recognition: pirates are folk heroes.

Piracy has become big business. A few years ago pirates attacked fishing trawlers just off the coast. Now they take on oil tankers and cargos with military equipment far out at sea. Profits are ploughed back into satellite phones, GPS technology, weapons and fast outboard motors, or to bribe officials and port informers.

Some revenue may be supporting local terrorist groups. Prevention is crucial. Some may say that the problem is as big as Somalia itself: until there is law and order on land, there will be anarchy off the coast. That is true enough, although a priority in restoring order in Somalia should be to dismantle the pirates' coastal bases and their support networks, in exchange for development aid to improve local administration and create job alternatives to piracy and smuggling.

The international community must help, and not only Governments and international organizations. To Read the Full Story. Subscribe Sign In. Continue reading your article with a WSJ membership. Resume Subscription We are delighted that you'd like to resume your subscription. Please click confirm to resume now.

Sponsored Offers.