Avoiding Somalia: what prevents onshore solutions to piracy?

Abstract

The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly stated that onshore solutions have to be carried out in Somalia in order to end piracy in the Horn of Africa. Yet, the primary responses from the international community have been focused at sea and within neighbouring countries. In this article, we identify, explain and analyse the obstacles to onshore and long-term policy responses to piracy in the Horn of Africa. In the first section, while using semi-structured interviews with government diplomats, members of international organizations and industry leaders, we examine the rationales given as to why the world community is reluctant to engage with onshore solutions – that is, state-building and development initiatives. Interviewees identified four factors: lack of credible national partner; competing priorities; corruption; and divisive internal Somali politics. We then discuss the current onshore initiatives and activities that the international community has carried out so far. In the final part, we provide analyses and implications of the findings.