UN renews mandate to fight Somali pirates

The UN Security Council on Tuesday renewed the mandate for states and regional bodies to fight Somali pirates for another year, noting the ongoing threat that piracy and armed robbery at sea poses to the delivery of humanitarian aid to Somalia and the region.

The council decides to renew the authorizations granted to states and regional cooperating with Somalia in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia for a further period of 12 months, said the resolution.

Recognizing that "the ongoing instability in Somalia and the acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off its coast are inextricably linked," the council stressed "the need to create adequate economic opportunities for the citizens of Somalia."

While encouraging member states to continue to cooperate with Somali authorities in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea, the 15-member UN body notes the primary role of Somali authorities in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, said the resolution.

The Horn of African country has one of the most dangerous coastlines in the world due to piracy which threatens not only maritime workers but also the coastal economy.

Since the adoption of the first Security Council resolution on the fighting Somali pirates in June 2008, the incidents of piracy reported off the coast of Somalia are falling. It has been more than two years since a large commercial vessel has been hijacked and held for ransom by Somali pirates, according to a report of the Secretary-General.

The total number of seafarers from large commercial vessels who are being held hostage by Somali pirates currently stands at 26, compared to 37 in October 2014, said the report.
  Xinhua -china.org.cn
  11/10/15