Combating Maritime Piracy in Somali Waters: An Analysis of National Legislative Counter-Piracy Measures

Abstract

This study focused on the framework for combating piracy off the Somali maritime zone. Seas piracy is the crime of robbery of ships or boats on the sea. The threat of piracy attacks against international shipping has increased in various parts of the world, including the South China Sea, the Bay of Bengal, West Africa, and off the Brazilian coast. Thus, the research objectives were to analyze the adherence of Somali Government to international legal frameworks for combating piracy and examine the role of national legal framework in combating piracy along the Somali Maritime Zone. The findings on the implementation of anti-piracy measures off the Somali coast can be helpful to the government of Somalia as well as to both local and foreign investors. The study found that due to civil war, absence of central government, and lack of natural resources, Somalia is presently one of the most underdeveloped and chaotic countries in the world and would require robust legal regime to combat this menace.