Essay on Somali Pirates Intelligence

Piracy off the coastline of Somali has been a menace for international shipping over decades. This activity began in the beginning of the 21^st century and still thrives up to now. This has therefore led to an outcry from various international organization as well as shipping companies. These pirates have been instrumental in affecting ship movements through the coastline. Their strategy has been to hijack ships deep in the waters then taking it on the main land. They perform this with the intention of asking for ransom before releasing ships (Robyn, 2008). However, the world does not know much about players responsible for piracy.

There is limited information concerning membership, structure leadership and the motive of such pirates. According to official information, most of the Somali pirates represent groups of young men. In respect to membership in the organization, it is apparent that most of the pirates come from Somali’s southern region. On the other hand, the remaining 20% come from more stable regions of Somali (Gettleman, 2008). A further look at the membership of these piracy bands reveals that they are in groups of three. For efficiency, these pirates have teams of local fishermen, technical experts as well as Ex-military men in their ranks. The structure of the organization is organized in the form where local fishermen act as the brain for operations.

Due to their vast knowledge of the sea and skill, fishermen initiate most of the daring piracy operations. Ex-Militiamen additionally provide the military muscle important for hijacking and kidnapping. Technical experts on the other hand provide support in the management of GPS devices. They are important for locating vessels and in locating escape routes once cornered (Gettleman, 2008). Observers relate to the fact that in the last 15 years piracy at the coast of Somali have increased tremendously. Pirates of this generation are well organized, smatter as well as brave (Robyn, 2008).. In relation to the leadership structure, Somali pirates have their own leadership structure.

The organization has well connected leaders affiliate organizations. This leadership structure is composed of top leaders as well as operational leaders. Operational leaders are responsible for piracy operations while top-level leaders plan for hijackings and in providing compensation to members (Robyn, 2008).. The influence of these leaders has been immense that even the government of Somali respects their views. It is apparent that Somali pirates use ransom money for investments and in acquiring properties. Information indicates that they have been able to invest in countries such as Kenya and even in the Middle East. Perhaps recent arrest of Afweyneh in Brussels indicates how informed their leaders are.

Perhaps piracy will not end, as one would wish. The motivation of these groups is because they feel they are protecting their waters. Majority of these groups feel that foreigners have been fishing for decades in their waters. They also feel that foreigners have been polluting their coastlines. They believed an organized force would assist guard Somali’s territory. Other motivating factors for members entering the force include the belief that law enforcers will not get them, it is easy to enter and its returns in monetary value (Gettleman, 2008).

Bibliography

Hunter, Robyn. “Somali pirates living the high life.” BBC News 28 (2008).

Gettleman, Jeffrey. “Somali pirates tell their side: They want only money.” New York Times 1 (2008).