A MARITIME security briefing in Hamburg for representatives from the shipping and maritime industries has been warned that the threat from Somali pirates remains despite a recent lull.
Armed guards warn Hamburg meeting Somali pirates remain big threat
A MARITIME security briefing in Hamburg for representatives from the shipping and maritime industries has been warned that the threat from Somali pirates remains despite a recent lull.
"Somali pirates are 'sleeping', they have not gone away," said BBC Africa editor Mary Harper. "The threat from pirates, which over the last few years has seen a number of major vessels seized, remains. Somali pirates are waiting for the west to relax its guard. If shipping organisations become complacent, it is likely the pirates will strike again."
She added, "Somalia is becoming more politically fragmented with many different groups seeking to gain dominance over their area, which potentially creates a favourable environment for piracy.
Independent experts speaking at the event, which was organised by Malta-based Gulf of Aden Group Transits (GoAGT) that provides armed security transits throughout the Indian Ocean, said the political instability in Somalia and increasing global demands on national navies will continue to be the major contributing factors affecting piracy activity.
Said GoAGT chairman Philip Wilcocks: "The main issue is that piracy in the Indian Ocean has not been eradicated, it has just been suppressed. Furthermore, economic pressures and wider global commitments may well constrain the world's navies from their ability to sustain a significant presence in anti-piracy operations in this region."