Somalia: Need for enhanced cooperation to prevent crime

Although the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has already provided the necessary marine communications and maritime equipment to support law enforcement in Somalia, international cooperation seems vital to solve the current problems of this country.

As highlighted by the Executive Director of UNODC, Ghada Waly, Somalia is increasingly facing daunting challenges, which range from terrorism to resurgent piracy, poverty, and the outcomes of climate change.

The interlinked threats, including piracy, illegal fishing, various types of trafficking and smuggling, as well as terrorism, all underpinned by money laundering and corruption, have imposed serious impacts on Somalia and far beyond. A direct consequence of these challenges can be evident in the risk imposed on international peace and security, endangering the lives of seafarers, and disrupting trade routes, on which many countries depend for economic stability, food security, and sustainable development.

Another important issue, which deserves consideration, is the explosion from Somalia’s marine resources by unregulated foreign fishing fleets, threatening biodiversity and livelihoods in the Indian Ocean. On the other hand, pirates have extended their operations with higher impunity along the Somali coast, attacking larger vessels by traditional sailing boats hijacked from those in the region.

In addition, geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea have negatively affected the security of the region and shipping routes, with estimations revealing an almost 50% reduction in trade vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden because of insecurity caused by Houthi rebel attacks from Yemen. On the one hand, Arms traffickers move relatively freely in the Gulf of Aden, and on the other hand, migrant smugglers operating along Somalia’s northern coast transfer people to the Arabian Peninsula.

As highlighted, drug trafficking could be another expanding threat, having catastrophic effects on local violence levels and associated with the difficulty of policing Somalia’s long coastline and the country’s connectivity in terms of air travel.

Although UNODC has already provided the necessary marine communications and maritime equipment to support law enforcement in Somalia, international cooperation seems vital to solve the current problems of this country. Such support and other efforts will help Somalia improve its operational capabilities and legal framework for crime prosecution while enhancing security in the region.