Interview with Chairman of Puntland Aid Service
Can the U.S. military action against pirates discourage them?
In the short term can be depressing, but in the long run, this effort would not be effective. There are no authorities who can stop them, and there is great temptation. These pirates know that they can earn millions of dollars in a short time. We should also remember that these pirates are young men without jobs or hope for the future. They are willing to make the pirates, despite a high risk, but they are prepared to take chances.
Who is it typically pirate?
They are normal young men who have no jobs, no education, and some of them have no hope in life. They make themselves or buy small rubber boats. They are heavily armed and highly organized. The chasing ships and increasing their activity especially after March because the sea is calm and there is not so much waves. They attack various ships as merchant ships tursime, yachts, etc. When they catch a ship it is a signal to other pirates and so the game continues.
You have been in Eyl how is the city Eyl?
Eyl is a small town which is very peaceful. The people of Eyl are very friendly. Pirates are not just from city of Eyl. The pirats are from all regions of Somalia. The Media has given a bad image. There are no problems with the city, but the problem is people who come to Eyl.
How are Pirates behaviours when they are in Eyl?
The problem is when the pirates get the money begins to divide the money to the right and left, and this behavior leads to more people coming to Eyl. They buy houses, hotels, and four-wheel drive. The problem increase dramatically, because the western countries give money as a solution. Puntland government has repeatedly said that the international community, including NATO countries must help us so we can combat piracy, but the international community has not shown interest.
How these pirates are considered local when they come home with money for their harvest?
People are very divided on the issue. Some people see them as criminals to be punished others see them as heroes and freedom fighters. Puntland government is not happy with the pirates,
but government can not do much to stop them without help from international community
How can the organization Puntland Aid Service helps to inform people about the piracy issue?
Puntland Aid Service, together with a number of Somali diaspora group working to inform people about the consequences of piracy. We organize seminars, workshops, special meeting with the local population of Eyl particular parent. We have contact Puntland government. They have clearly told us that there must be military opration to be comprehensive and not just the Navy from Nato to perform the action. Puntland Government believes that if Nato military comes to the country will be oprationen failure, because the local people perceive them as a colonial power. Therefore it is best to use Puntland military, police and Puntland coast gaurd in cooperation with NATO to help strengthen Puntland, with all logistics like training of units, provide financial resources and provide them with communications as setalitet etc. It is clear that NATO can not provide weapons to Puntland which the country is under UN embargo. In addition, there must be development projects which can provide job opportunities for these pirates.
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