Treating a symptom or curing the illness? Somalia behind the scenes of piracy
Treating a symptom or curing the illness? Somalia behind the scenes of piracy

Summary/Abstract: Maritime piracy along the Somali coast is a current topic. Nowadays the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa are two of the four danger zones threatened by pirates. The number of the attacks has been increasing since the 80’s. As for maritime piracy in general, we must admit that it is a well regulated field of international law, but as it can be noticed in connection with Somalia, the rules referring to piracy cannot be applied perfectly in practice. Therefore the International Maritime Organization considered the question to be important enough to deal with it. The situation in Somalia is unique as its motivation is quite different due to its history and current problems. In consequence of the piracy affecting Somalia, the aid of the World Food Program cannot be delivered to its destination –affected by incredible drought- which can lead to humanitarian catastrophe as Somalia is one of the countries which are the most dependent on aid. It must also be mentioned that as an effect of piracy, the Somali currency lost 80 % of its value. Though the United Nations took measures to stop piracy along the coast of Somalia they only meant a treatment of the symptom but not a cure for the illness. The aim of the study is to highlight the current situation of Somalia by summarizing its history so as to give reason for the ongoing piracy along its coast. Thus in connection with the topic the concept of ‘failed states’ cannot be evaded which theory and relevance in international law is intended to be refuted by this study.

• Details
• Contents