A ROBUST naval presence off the coast of Somalia may not be the piracy panacea that we are all looking for, but the protection it offers remains a vital lifeline to the shipping industry.
Given the financial costs involved and the diversion of more immediate political distractions, there has been an underlying fear within the industry that governments may be tempted to quietly scale back their commitments.
The fact that the European Union’s Operation Atalanta has now been extended for another year and NATO has committed a second task force, should go some way to allaying those concerns.
The message behind these decisions is clear – piracy is expected to constitute a “serious threat” for the foreseeable future and despite the tentative diplomatic steps being taken on shore, naval forces are still being relied upon to offer protection.
Even with this substantial military presence, close to 30 vessels have already been seized this year and NATO has counted 114 pirate attacks, more than in all of 2008. Without the Navies this figure would have been far higher.
There is no single solution to the problem, but it seems likely that long-term diplomacy coupled with extensive financial aid and deft political support, both from international donors and neighbouring states, will form the bedrock of any sensible plan.
In the meantime it is crucial that as the dramatic headlines gradually disappear further down the global news agenda, the world is not allowed to once again turn its back on Somalia or forget the threat that unchecked piracy poses to seafarers lives and world trade.
