In Somalia, pirates are closely related to terrorism. Piracy in Somalia has increased due to several reasons. Weak governance and economic difficulties in the 2000s have led to Somali piracy. Off the Horn of Africa, Somalia has grown due to the collapse of the central state. According to the data, pirates are closely connected to the areas controlled by al-Shabaab, which proves that piracy is an important means of raising financial funds for terrorism in Somalia.
Pirates’ revenue is estimated at $120 million annually, supplied to insurgent groups such as al-Shabaab. These funds were used to support terrorist activities. By strengthening governance in Somalia and making some necessary arrangements, measures can be taken against piracy and terrorism.
Economic Drivers of Somali Piracy
Piracy in Somalia grew due to several economic disadvantages. There is a dearth of employment opportunities in Somali society and poverty is also prevalent. Due to all these reasons, pirates got an opportunity to emerge. In addition, resource-poor fishermen turned to piracy to earn more profits.
Due to illegal and foreign fishing, the fishermen chose an organization that was beneficial to them. Weak governance and lawlessness in Somali society provided opportunities for pirates. These organizations can be defeated by better law enforcement and effective strengthening of governments, along with terms in terms of poverty and employment opportunities in Somali society.
Link Between Piracy and Al-Shabaab Funding
A terrorist organization like al-Shabaab in Somalia was already facing many challenges and the pirates were able to overcome the challenges. Now in Somalia, both pirates and al-Shabaab are working together and providing funding to each other. Al-Shabaab has captured large areas of pirates to extract funding from them and make them part of their terrorist operations. The fishing sector in Somalia is also suffering from the same reason. Pirates also attack sea trade and loot all the goods. And then they also give a share to al-Shabaab from this looted property.
Impact of Piracy on Regional Security and Stability
Pirates have a profound impact on regional security and stability. The occupation of many Somalis consists of fishing, and they are robbed by these pirates. Maritime trade is also at a loss due to these pirates because these pirates rob every passing ship. That is why people have migrated to distant areas and have taken other jobs as their jobs. The pirates in Somalia have the backing of al-Shabaab and have full support. Al-Shabaab supports them because it receives funding from pirates.
Due to the political instability and weak economy in Somalia, the pirates are occupying large areas, and they have the full support of al-Shabaab. They rob people and then provide funding to al-Shabaab. With this funding, al-Shabaab carries out terrorist activities that kill people. Organizations like al-Shabaab and pirates living here are a big threat to national security. National security must eliminate them. And for this, Somalia needs international financial and military assistance. Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are providing their military and financial support.
