Achieving Maritime Good Order In The Gulf of Aden: The Way Forward

The upsurge in attacks and hijackings by Somali pirates from 2007 to 2009 reflects the political unrest in Somalia and Ineffective maritime surveillance in the Gulf of Aden. The deployment of coalition forces with mandate from the United Nations is a concerted effort by the international community to combat this maritime scourge. The paper discusses major factors contributing to piracy and hijackings by Somali pirates namely, conflict among the clans and warlords, lack of financial management leading to the collapse of Somalia's economy and an ineffective and non lune Honing central government, and the increase in illegal fishing in Somali waters directly impacting food security and livelihood in Somalia. It is also important to discuss effectiveness of the international community's responses to light piracy and to compare with the security mechanisms adopted by the littoral states in the Straits of Malacca. Finally, the paper examines ways to achieve maritime good order in the Gulf of Aden namely, establishing maritime security mechanisms by the East African Community, application of the concept of security and development, and establishing maritime peacekeeping by the United Nations Security Council. This will lay the foundation for long term peace and stability in Somalia.