Policing of Piracy and Armed Robbery Perpetrated Against Ships: The Role of Interstate Partnerships in Africa

• NCJ Number: 221537
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: 2007 Pages: 110-122
• Author(s): H. Fouche
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: Downloaded February 13, 2008; To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon

Annotation

This report assesses the threat of piracy and armed robbery against ships en route to and departing from African ports and assesses the capabilities of various countries and international, continental, and regional organizations in addressing these transnational organized crimes.

Abstract

Piracy is a transnational crime and is not confined within national borders. The effective policing of piracy and armed robbery against ships requires partnerships among neighboring countries and regional organizations of states. Unfortunately, maritime crimes are not high on the agenda of African countries or the African Union. On March 15, 2006, the United Nations Security Council issued a statement that encouraged member states whose naval vessels and military aircraft operate in international waters and airspace adjacent to the coast of Somalia to be vigilant to any incident of piracy and take appropriate action to protect merchant shipping. The Council also urged cooperation among all states, particularly regional states, as well as the active prosecution of piracy offenses. The Southern African Development Community (SADC)--which is composed of 14 African states, of which 2 are island states and 5 have extensive coastlines--is the region's primary security mechanism for conflict prevention, management, and resolution. It is the region best able to protect itself against piracy and armed robbery against ships. The east coast is the most vulnerable part of the SADC alliance, with Tanzania having experienced a marked increase in the number of piracy incidents during 2005. The threat from the east coast is exacerbated by the instability in Somalia. Tanzania has not been able to assist in Somalia or to prevent attacks in its own territorial waters. Assistance from the SADC would help address the threat on the east coast. 18-item bibliography