1

Negative Impact of Piracy on Somali Youth

By Nadifa Jama Isse

Research paper submitted to the faculty of social science public administration

department for the requirement of bachelor degree award at Puntland State University
(PSU)

APPROVED PROF: Mohamed Said Samantar

Garowe Puntland Somalia

Submission Date: 15TH may 2012

_____________________________________________________________
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Acknowledgement
All praise is due to Allah who makes me easier to finish this research paper I am fully

acknowledged all those who helped me to accomplish this research paper.

I would like to give special thanks to the following persons for their significant support and

contributions to my research paper

1. Prof Mohamed Said Samantar

2. Abdiwhid Abshir Ibrahim

3. Abdulkadir Hamud Mohamed

4. Hawo Abdi Isse

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Declaration
I hereby officially state that this proposal is my original work and has not been submitted to any
other institutions by means of academic reward.

Signature:__________________ Date:__________________________

Nadifa Jama Isse

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Approval

This thesis is mainly focused the negative impact on Somali youth which was done under my
supervision and prepared to submit and share with all interested educational institutions, like
PSU and as well as all other interested institutions and individual experts.

Signed: ………………………………

Date: ………………………………..

Prof. Mohamed Said Samantar

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Abbreviations
 PMP Puntland Maritime Police

 IUUF Illegal Unreported Unregulated Fishing

 IMO International Maritime Organization

 WFP World Food Program

 PSU Puntland State University

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Dedication
I dedicate this great work of research paper to my beloved mother Mrs. Zahra Hamud
Mohamed and my husband Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Elmi for their significant supports to both
morale and university study

Table of Contents
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Acknowledgement..................................................................................................................2
Declaration.............................................................................................................................3
Approval.................................................................................................................................4
Abbreviations..........................................................................................................................8
Dedication...............................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER I...............................................................................................................................9
1-Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................9

1.1 Background...............................................................................................................................................................9

1.2 Problem statement.................................................................................................................................................10

1.4 Specific objective of the study................................................................................................................................13

1.5 Research questions..............................................................................................................................................13

1.6 Scope of the study..................................................................................................................................................14

1.6 Significant of the study...........................................................................................................................................14

1.7 Thesis statement.....................................................................................................................................................15

CHAPTER II............................................................................................................................15
2 Literature review........................................................................................................................................................15

2.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................15

2.2 Piracy Definitions................................................................................................................................................15

2.3 Armed robbery at sea.........................................................................................................................................16

2.4 Types of pirates..................................................................................................................................................16

2.5 WHY PIRACY IN SOMALIA?.................................................................................................................................16

2.7 Impact of piracy in Puntland..............................................................................................................................20

2.8 Plans to overcome challenges............................................................................................................................21

Conceptual framework.............................................................................................................................................22

CHAPTER III...........................................................................................................................22
Methodology................................................................................................................................................................22

3.0 OVERVIEW..........................................................................................................................................................22

3.1 Research Methodology......................................................................................................................................22

3.1 Research Design.................................................................................................................................................23

3.4 Research Population...........................................................................................................................................23

3.2 Sampling and sampling procedure........................................................................................................................23

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3.3 Instrument..........................................................................................................................................................23

3.3 limitations of the research.................................................................................................................................23

CHAPTER IV...........................................................................................................................24
4.0 Data analysis..........................................................................................................................................................24

4.1 Table of responses of the interviewees..................................................................................................................24

Section two: questionnaire......................................................................................................................................24

Charts........................................................................................................................................................................27

1.1 Did piracy have an impact on your community?................................................................................................27

1.2 Is piracy forbidden in Islamic religion?...............................................................................................................28

1.3 What are the tangible effects of piracy on Somali youth?.................................................................................29

1.4 Does piracy effected the economic development of Puntland?........................................................................30

1.5 Does toxic waste and illegal fishing play crucial role on Somali piracy?..........................................................31

1.6 Ignorance and illiteracy contribution to piracy..................................................................................................32

1.7 Before piracy were there challenges facing the fishing community in Somalia................................................33

1.8 Is there any plan to combat piracy?...................................................................................................................34

Chapter V..............................................................................................................................35
Conclusion and recommendation.................................................................................................................................35

5.0 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................................................35

5.1 Recommendation...............................................................................................................................................36

References....................................................................................................................................................................

Appendix A:for Questionnaire......................................................................................................................................39

CHAPTER I
1-Introduction
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This chapter will cover up the background of the study, problem statement, Purpose of the study,
Specific objective, Research questions, Scope of the study, Significant of the study and the thesis
statement

1.1 Background
Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa and Allah is endowed with a long coastline along the
Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Somalia has been without a functional central government since
1991, in which Said Barre’s regime was lost the power, Somalia’s situation has changed from
peace to war and Piracy off the coastline of Somalia become a major challenge of international
and locally issue, mostly because of the close proximity of Somalia’s lawless uncontrolled and
un-policed coast.

The disintegration of Somalia’s state in the early 1990s has caused new challenges for the
citizens of Somalia which produced new threats, such as the exploitation of foreign fishing fleets
along its unguarded coast line that results the scarcity of the livelihoods of local fishermen.

The collapsed state of Somalia resulted in the breakdown of all institutions, including the
country’s national navy, rule of law, infrastructure, socio-economic development and as well as
many others

In the beginning of 2005 many organizations have expressed concern over the rise of acts and
threats of Somali youth pirates who have increased their attack on ships arriving to the sea and
the coastal area those are carrying the foods and aid to Somali marginalized people who has
prolonged droughts, and continues civil war as well as lack of strong and effective authorities
that has made sea-piracy flourish since that there has been a sharp escalation in piracy attacks
with a 19% increase in between 2007 and 2008 however Somalia is one of the poorest nations in
the world.

Lack of functional government has created the ongoing foreign illegal fishing which exploited
the country's fishing resources. And the highly-sophisticated, mechanized fishing fleets from
European American countries, as well as other advanced nations evidently and constantly
violated the legal waters around Somalia and began to wipe out entire populations of fish.
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Their actions were killing of the fishermen and taking their fishing materials and their fishing
resources in the nights as kind of griffin and that was paved the way of poverty-stricken to all
Somalis fishermen, In addition many foreign ships used the sea shores of Somalia to dumpling
their highly toxic refuse, thereby speeding up the devastating process of wiping out all marine
life. So pirates are claiming and attempting to protect their territory and also the sea shores which
the foreign ships are illegally fishing. At same time the Coastline area was seen packages of
hazardous wastes which transported many different communicable diseases such as skin rash
respiratory infections and many unknown others.

Somali pirates will enforce operations continued and to grow in size by recruiting willing young
Somalis, acquiring more sophisticated weapons and adding more speedboats to their fleet by
trying to find any possible way to hunt the foreign ships in the coastlines of Somalia those are
carrying toxic waste because whenever that pirates receive a ransom money from them their
needs of money and financial schemes will automatically increased.

1.2 Problem statement

Piracy of the coast of Somalia has become an issue of urgent and ongoing concern both locally
and internationally. Because of the huge ransom payment demanding by the pirates which is
seriously affected and disrupted to the supply of goods including urgently needed relief food to
the vulnerable Somali people as well as continuous inflations and high cost of goods due to
increased insurance costs and longer routes to Somalia. Somalia has a long coastline of
2105nmor 3,898 kilometers long in total of which 659nm or 1,204km in the Gulf of Aden.

The Somali pirates will continue to operate with little fear, and as long as they know the illegal
engulfed about the piracy issue, and no collective support of Alternative Livelihood Program
against piracy activities to Somalia from the international community.

The attacks get increased from 2007, 2008 and 2009, the major pirate bases of Eyl, Hobyo and
Haradheere concentrated along the east coast of Somalia. By 2008 this reached outlandish
proportions with ships being attacked seemingly at random and whenever the pirates decide,
according to that youth pirates is harm to the Somali’s itself and against to the Islamic religion,
as well as eroded Somali’s culture, reputation and traditional values.
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Pirates have also serious negative consequences on Somali communities including drug abuse,
pre-marital sex, theft, spreading of transmitted diseases and inflation caused by the influx of
ransom money, increased insecurity, violation cases and bad influence on youth which has
caused many family tension or immediate divorces, moreover Somali youth pirates are in more
than twenty countries of foreign jails in the worldwide because of convicted piracy, or
suspected piracy by the international marine troops and they are not still brought to law, and that
is a kind of violation and humiliation to the jailed Somali youth.

In current situation various elders, community intellectuals as well as sheiks of Somalia

particularly Puntland who have the respect and moral authority are actively participated to
eliminate any forms of piracy operations and encouraged the youth not to be involved in piracy.

The current situation pirates are absolutely left from the area of EYL because of the public
awareness and other valuable messages based on Islamic religion, Somalis traditional values
endorsing to the youth feelings. However Piracy is deeply rooted in a number of socio-economic
factors mainly poverty, unemployment, hunger and insecurity of the coastal population and so
on.

Puntland society is absolutely willing to eliminate any kind or any form of piracy which is
against Islamic religion, Somalis culture and humanity. Puntland government also made
successful and tangible steps to counter and combat piracy, in addition if Puntland government
will obtain chances to improve socio-economic development, poverty reduction and eradicate
illiteracy Puntland could achieve solution, but there are still challenges driven piracy to exist
which needs to take urgent appropriate action.

Notable Factors that are driven piracy in Somalia are. Social upheaval or disturbance, human
hardship, environmental degradation of the Somalia and many others

Piracy was flourished in Somalia as it is a quick way for all involved to earn a large amount of
money beyond any other means of income generation, because of the foreign ships were
illegally used the resources of the Somali Population and that has opened the door of piracy
process because of income.
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Poverty, lack of employment, environmental hardship, pitiful low incomes, reduction of

pastoralist’s economy and marine resources due to prolonged drought, illegal fishing, unstable
security and political situation those all matters contribute to the rise and continuance of piracy
in Somalia. This situation will remain until we get effective and simultaneous actions taken
against the pirate trade and an alternative means of income support mechanisms implemented to
replace it; otherwise criminal activity, in some shape or form, will continue to take priority as a
means of generating income and it will be a source of their livelihood.

Usually actions of piracy involves some risk but the benefits is more important and bigger than
that risk, a fact indicates that pirates deaths are so many as well as imprisonment for instance
many prisoners are in foreign jails, others were injured and too many others are in the local jails
of Puntland today. They are still attacking and doing piracy activities in small places that is good
to keep in mind because the rampant illegal fishing and the dumping of toxic wastes in Somali
coastal waters will continue to be perpetrated by foreign companies operating under informal and
illegal licenses issued by warlords and officials acting for personal gain. This will continue to
undermine the livelihoods of fishing communities and easily provide local recruits for piracy
because the rate of high unemployment of young Somali people which forces many of them to
join different militias and other armed groups including piracy in order to earn basic income and
that has became new means of easily earning a large amount of income.

The pirates also definitely believe that they are all right and entitled the right to attack illegal
fishing vessels operating in their territorial waters as their fishing resources are being pillaged
daily by international shipping vessels from Asia, Europe and America.

The international community is fully aware that this is illegal activity which has been going on
for nearly twenty years for the sake of the Somali state failure but the international community
has taken any action against it.

The pirates believe that the only option which can limit this injustice is to attack foreign ships.
Equally the pirates did admit that their initial idea was protecting their coast line. Targeting other
innocent ships is supposed to highlight the illegal shipping but has now become a huge
international problem. Any how they do admit that humanitarian aid and other supporting
commercial vessels should not be targeted for piratical gain.
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1.3 Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study is to measure and analyze the wider negative impact and consequences
of piracy on Somali youth and also it will examine the role of foreign vessels which provide an
opportunity to the piracy actions.

1.4 Specific objective of the study

 To examine the impact of piracy on Somali youth as to find positive contribution for the
elimination of piracy operations in Somalia especially Puntland.
 To assess the effects of sea piracy on youth, local community, regional and the
international community
 To document and map out any ongoing local, regional efforts to counter & combat piracy
and the respective initiative of Puntland sheikhs, elders and leaders who dissuade and
talk out of youth from piracy.
 To create strategies and alternative livelihood opportunity means for the youth to
eliminate any kind of piracy and anything that can open the door piracy related issues
 To change the perceptions of Somali youth and persuade them that piracy is harmful and
forbidden in Islam and also in Somali culture.

1.5 Research questions

1. What is the negative impact of piracy on Somali youth?
2. Why piracy is in Somalia?
3. What are the factors driven piracies in Somalia and how does it influence to the Somali
youth?
4. How does foreign influence participate, piracy in Somalia?
5. What kind of role, Somali people can take to the elimination of piracy?
6. How can we change the perception of Somali youth for demanding ransom payment from
foreign ships?
7. How can we obtain the most effective measures against anti-piracy and the contest
against piracy?
8. Is it true that western countries are illegally using the sea resources and dumpling toxic
wastes in Somalia?
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1.6 Scope of the study

The study will focus on the negative impact on Somalia youth particularly Puntland and
generally in all Somalia. This study will also describe that piracy has negative impact on the self
respect of Somali youth, religion, culture and traditional values of the Somali community as
well.

The researcher focuses on the negative impact of piracy and initiates possible strategies to
minimize or eliminate piracy incidences occurring in the coastlines of the county also will
emerge how the western countries influence and gave an opportunity to Somali piracy according
to the dumpling refused toxic wastes and illegal fishing. It also focuses that the unemployment,
illiteracy, poverty, corruption and insecurity increases and contributes the raise of piracy.

1.6 Significant of the study

Somali People particularly Puntland will be familiar with the wider negative impact of piracy
and the factors contributing piracy to survive which is the bases of dumpling and toxic waste
for the foreign vessels itself; this will enable to formulate effective strategy to counter piracy,
dumpling of hazardous toxic waste and come out policies to improve alternative livelihood
mechanisms for the unemployment of Somali youth as well as to make people of Somalia
understand piracy evilness and how Islam is prohibited.

It is able to be used by the other researches, association, PSU students and students of the other
universities of Puntland and also it can be a future references for the long term future
generations.

The study will make understand to the society of Puntland the impact of piracy and how our
religion is prohibited and respected culture and as well as the role of the community itself to
eliminate and fight and form of piracy and the responsibility of creating job opportunities for the
youth and their livelihood sources. It will contribute the completion of the required award of the
Bachelor of social science.

1.7 Thesis statement

Piracy has wider negative impact on Somali youth which requires possible solutions, approaches
and strategies to eliminate piracy in Somalia.
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CHAPTER II
2 Literature review

2.1 Introduction
The literature review expresses and demonstrates the prior theoretical structures and analysis
already done which related to the specific study. It is previously existing available research
resources by another researcher on similar study like the piracy impact on Somali youth and also
to counter and combat piracy related activities.

2.2 Piracy Definitions

The law of the sea defines “piracy” as:

Any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends
by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed:

(i) On the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such
ship or aircraft;

(ii) Against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any state;

Article 15 of the 1958 Geneva Convention of the High Seas and Article 101 of the 1982 UN
Convention on the Law of the Sea define piracy as “a violent seizure on the high seas of a
private ship or the illegal detainment of persons or property aboard said ship for the purpose of
private gain” Acts of piracy within territorial waters on the other hand falls under municipal law.

2.3 Armed robbery at sea

Other acts involved in the hijacking of ships off Somalia not meeting the definition of “Piracy”
are included in the phrase “armed robbery at sea”.

2.4 Types of pirates

There are two types of pirates i.e. the 'foot soldiers' who do the actual attacks and the shadowy
'investors' who put the seed money and provide food and equipment (Assessment report
Puntland counter-piracy survey June/July 2009)
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2.5 WHY PIRACY IN SOMALIA?

Compared to pirate operations in other parts of the world, namely the Java Sea, South China Sea
and off the coast of Nigeria, Somalia does not have the natural coastal terrain so required by
pirates, namely numerous forested inlets and islands, where ships can be hidden from aerial and
maritime surveillance. Somali pirates do not need this type of terrain because their piratical aims
are very singular and straight forward, ransom for hostages only. They are not interested in
stealing the cargo and/or reusing the ship for other purposes, where there is a need to have a
secure location hidden from view where a ship can be concealed while it is renamed and
repainted. They are interested in ransom only. When a ship is taken by Somali pirates it and the
crew are held for ransom. It is in effect a hostage situation.

The ship is sailed to one of the bases where the pirates can be supplied with food, water, qat,
weapons and ammunition and other resources while the negotiations take place. This is all done
very openly with the ship visibly anchored off the Somali coast. The pirates are fully aware that
they are relatively secure from any rescue mission being launched directly against them while on
the ship.

The only alternative remaining to guarantee a secure and safe conclusion to the hostage situation
is the payment of the requested ransom. One striking aspect of piracy along the Somali coast is
that despite differences of location and clan, the methodology used for the targeting, attack and
capture of ships, the detention of crews,

The information contained in this chapter is based on the expert’s knowledge of the country and
their contacts and connections for information.

The progress of negotiation, the amounts of ransom demands, the methods of receiving payments
and ultimately release of ship and hostages are all identical. Some experts believe that these
identical procedures come from a coordination of the pirates activities. Others believe that there
is little or no central coordination.

Acts of piracy in Puntland escalated following the collapse of the Said Barre government in
1991. The void of authority that was created was quickly taken up clans with armed rag tag
groups. Lawlessness that ensued ever since was not confined to land but also on the sea. Of a
total of some 440 acts of piracy and armed robbery reported to have taken place off the coast of
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Somalia since IMO started compiling relevant statistics in 1984. According to the International
Maritime Bureau, in 2008 there were 184 pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia, whereas 59
incidences were reported in 2007, thus marking a 219% increase. An estimated more than 120
attacks have been reported this year alone More than 35 ships have been seized by pirates and
more than 600 seafarers have been kidnapped and held for ransom. Currently, 14 ships and some
280 seafarers from 25 nations are being held hostage in Somalia. Two seafarers have already lost
their lives. The strategy adopted by the international community has been to intensify naval
patrols off the coast of Somalia and prosecute captured pirates. The reported incidences of piracy
attacks are largely concentrated in the Gulf of Aden and the coastline adjacent to Somalia’s
mainland, even though some attacks have occurred as far away in the Kenyan, Tanzanian and
Seychellois territorial waters.

The strategic importance of the Somalia’s coastline cannot be lost to many. The Gulf of Aden is
located in Somalia’s northern coastline, which is the gateway to the Suez Canal. It is estimated
that 12% of the entire world’s oil transported by sea passes through Suez Canal, not to mention
other finished goods and bulk materials The humanitarian crisis that is currently raging in
Somalia due to prolonged drought and the fighting in Mogadishu has forced aid agencies (led by
the WFP) to transport food and other relief supplies by sea. Somali coastline is 2,105nm
1,204km in the Gulf of Aden.

This therefore presents a grave challenge for a state that has no functional central government to
police the vital sea route. Already, insurance costs have gone up and ships using the longer Cape
of Good Hope route are taking twice as long to reach their destination. The upshot is that the cost
of shipping goods is rising, thus compounding the effects of the raging global financial crisis.
Owing to the above, piracy is posing a great challenge which the international community cannot
fail to take note of.

The problem of piracy however cannot be solely solved through police action or by naval means.
Sorenson has argued that the Somali piracy is a form of organized and structured criminality
which thrives on incentives accruing from ransom payments As such, piracy is sustained by
existence of safe ports ashore, from where the pirates launch their attacks and stash proceeds of
their illicit. The roots of the problem can be found in state failure and the prevailing state of
underdevelopment in Somalia. Poverty, illiteracy and weak governance have made it possible for
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pirates to thrive in the impoverished coastal areas of Puntland. Besides maintaining police action,
it is therefore important to ensure that Somalis who would otherwise be recruited into piracy are
afforded alternative livelihood options. It is also important to educate the public on the hazards
of piracy and the effect on local economy. It is also important to strengthen local governance
systems to handle localized criminality that is likely to snow-ball into full-fledged piracy gangs.

 Increasing attacks and hijacking of merchant vessels off the coast of Somalia , in the Gulf
of Aden and the Indian Ocean has had severe consequences for the region including:-
 Disruption of the supply of goods to the region ( including urgently needed relief food to
Somalia)i
 Disruption of maritime merchant shipping in one of the busiest and most important sea
lanes
 Potential for a maritime disaster involving toxic cargo if a security incident occurs aboard
a ship
 High cost of goods due to increased insurance costs and longer routes
 Money laundering in Somalia and neighboring countries with weak proceeds of crime
laws
 Potential for the proceeds of piracy to find its way into terrorist/international criminal
gang activities

In addition, corruption within local communities/authorities through the proceeds of piracy has
the potential of undermining the nascent institutions in places like which, though still weak, are
relatively stable bulwarks to the conflict prone areas of Southern Somalia. (Piracy off the Somali
coast: 2008)

2.6 How piracy began in Somalia

The political collapse of 1991 led to the complete breakdown of security institutions in Somalia,
including the coastal defense. Somali coastal communities became victims of the Illegal
Unreported Unregulated Fishing (IUUF), particularly in Puntland whose coastal community is
traditionally known as Somalia’s fishermen.
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The violation of Somali waters by foreign trawlers expectedly triggered a reaction of armed
resistance by Somali fishermen, whose livelihoods was disrupted by the illegal fishing fleets.
Over time, payment of ransom by the foreign trawlers to the poor fishermen of Somalia
encouraged the escalation of pirate attacks to current levels.

Consequently, the illegal fishers linked themselves with local warlords for protection, placing
armed militiamen onboard the trawlers. The fishermen-turned-pirates then targeted unarmed
commercial vessels, inhumanly taking hostages for ransom and disrupting international maritime
trade routes. In addition to human suffering of the hostages, piracy activities in the region have
impacted the cost of goods, as freight and insurance premiums increased. As the need for
maritime security grew, the piracy problem has not yet been tackled.
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2.7 Impact of piracy in Puntland

The cost of Somali piracy in Puntland impacted various sectors. This includes disruption of
coastal economic activities, which historically constitutes an economic pillar for our
communities and foreign exchange earnings from sea product export. Piracy has contributed
towards insecurity, such as buying weapons and committing various crimes including killings.
This led to enormous increase of the security costs of the State to mount extensive security
operations against piracy activities in Puntland, as well as prison services and prosecution costs.
Currently, our Government has in custody 242 convicted pirates and piracy suspects awaiting
trial. According to U.N. data, this is the largest concentration of Somali pirates jailed in over 20
countries worldwide

To make matters worse, piracy has spoiled our cultural values and created new social problems,
such as introduction of alcohol, using drugs, and spreading sexually transmitted diseases. Piracy
has also tarnished our image internationally, as Somalis are labeled as a piracy-prone society,
although piracy activity is not exclusive to Somalis. The recent surge of piracy in West Africa,
particularly

Since piracy’s inception in Somalia, the pirates have targeted mainly foreign commercial vessels
expecting major ransom payments. However, in recent months, the Somali pirates have turned to
hijack Somali-owned small vessels or vessels transporting goods to and from Somalia, including
wooden dhows carrying livestock .Benin, demonstrates this point

This unprecedented shift has signaled a new alarm. The Puntland Port of Bossaso is our
economic lifeline and our gateway to global trade networks. We do not have any paved airports
in Puntland for air transport. We have this single port that serves communities in the whole
Somalia and also eastern Ethiopia. Any threat to this vital economic lifeline is a threat against the
security, stability and economy of Puntland State of Somalia, which also impacts the smooth
flow of trade traffic across the whole region
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2.8 Plans to overcome challenges

A major demographic change occurred since collapse of 1991, consisting of exodus of people
fleeing southern Somalia particularly Mogadishu and Kismayo, leading to rapid urbanization of
northern cities. Demand for public goods delivery and economic stability grew tremendously.
Meeting such needs due to our limited resources, both financial capital and qualified human
resource, proved to be a remarkable challenge to date.

Our challenges include instituting an anti-piracy force to combat pirates on land and along the
coast. The physical nature of Puntland territory is also a big challenge, due to difficulties
accessing pirate hideouts among valleys, mountains and a long coastline. Our attempt to
establish a Puntland Maritime Police (PMP) force in 2010 has been met with some difficulties.

The anti-piracy force training program, supported by our benefactor, the United Arab Emirates,
was suspended in February 2011. This program is designed to train Puntland marines to fight
pirates on land and offshore. We plan to establish three strategically important coastal sites in
Puntland as ideal locations to base anti-piracy forces to synchronize our onshore and offshore
efforts to combat piracy, namely: 1) Bossaso port city along the Gulf of Aden coast; 2) Eyl town
located along the Indian Ocean coast; and 3) Bargal town, located at the tip of the Horn of Africa
(near Cape of Gardafui).

Other challenges include Puntland financial limitations to effectively engage the coastal
communities at large for public awareness and implementing our newly launched anti-piracy
rehabilitation program, involving community leaders. There is a need to engage in an
unprecedented campaign by religious and community leaders and to create vocational training
programs for skills-development for the youth and to rehabilitate quitting pirates.

Poor accessibility to coastal areas due to difficult terrain is a challenge to our security capability.
Access to coastal communities can be improved through construction of feeder and paved roads,
and jetties along the coast. This approach provides long-lasting solution to piracy problems as it
creates job opportunities for unemployed youth.
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There are cost-friendly options to solve the Somali piracy crisis. Puntland needs support for
training and incentives for security forces, access to vehicles and equipment, is a strong
Alternative approach to tackling piracy, Support for prisons and judiciary capacity building are
critical components of this approach. With a meager annual budget, Puntland Government has
managed to increase the judiciary budget four-fold since 2009, demonstrating our commitment to
security and justice (www.garoweonline.com/.../Speech_of_the_President_of_Puntland_at)

Conceptual framework
Figure 1: Negative Impact of piracy on Somali youth

Importance Indicator Achievement

Education Employment High quality of life

Alternative livelihood options Reduce piracy Socio- Economic efficiency

Public Awareness Islamic religion/Culture Successful

Strength local governance Improved Security Justice

Resource: Researcher construction

CHAPTER III
Methodology

3.0 OVERVIEW
This chapter will show the methodology that the researcher was utilized during the data
collection process.

3.1 Research Methodology

The research explains and talks about the real situation of the negative impact of piracy on
Somali youth; the study is also based on generally Somalia and particularly Puntland.
The study approaches at the foreign vessels influence of the illegal fishing and dumpling to the
Somali territorial waters and the barriers which has faced from the local governance to succeed
piracy.
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The research methodology that was used in achieving this research was:-
 Interview
 Questioner
The data of this research contains primary data and secondary data, the secondary data was used
in the literature review which the researcher has taken from the internet and other available
reference books in the library. The researcher have used questionnaire for the data collecting
process and was noted down 19 significant questions

3.1 Research Design

Although there are different ways of research approaches, this study will follow case study
research design which the researcher used to arrange conditions for collecting and analysing of
data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose in a fact manner this
study pursue qualitative method in some areas

3.4 Research Population

This research will focus on and target 60 various individuals such as men, women, youth groups’
religious leaders and community elders among privileged Puntland community with different
hierarchical background level of knowledge who are representing the other parts of the
population.

3.2 Sampling and sampling procedure

Used purposive sampling method because the researcher selected suitable sample to be
representative for the whole population and asked questions for those especial persons from the
community, who will be selected to participate this research

3.3 Instrument
This research study used interviews, secondary data analysis and questionnaires, the study began
collecting all related information from all available sources to make sure that the study is fully
certainty, detailed and reliable.

3.3 limitations of the research

The following were the limitation of the research:-
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A few questions were difficulty to the respondents to answer directly during the interview
process because this topic is very critical within the society. The researcher planned limited time
for the study then expected

CHAPTER IV
4.0 Data analysis
This chapter will show full information acquired by the research:-
The study presented specified information of literature review of the wider negative impact on
Somali youth and how unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, lack of socio-economic development,
illegal fishing and dumpling toxic waste contributes the rise of piracy related matters so that we
here by establishing the findings of the research results of the sixty sample population of
Puntland privilege community such as men women, youth groups, religious leaders and
community elders as well who are mainly representing the whole population of Puntland.

4.1 Table of responses of the interviewees

This questionnaire was prepared for the study of the negative impact of piracy on Somali youth.

Section two: questionnaire

Sn Questions of the research Yes No
1 Did piracy have an impact on your community? More Less impact
 Limited impact impact 2
 Less limited impact 58

 More impact

2 Is piracy forbidden in Islamic religion? 60

 25

3
What are the tangible effects of piracy on Somali youth? 48 Bad 9 Prison
moral Death
and 3 Drug abuse
Inflation Transmitted
diseases
4 Does piracy affected the economic development of 55 5
Puntland?
5 47 13
Is the ignorant and illiteracy contributes the increase of
piracy?
6 Are there influences of other countries on youth piracy? 58 2
7 Are there strategies ready for the elimination of piracy in 51 9
Somalia?
8 Does toxic waste and illegal fishing play crucial role on 53 7
Somali piracy?
9 Is there positive relationship between inflation and 34 26
piracy?
10 Does piracy affect the self respect of Somali youth? 38 22
11 Do you believe that piracy reduces alternative livelihood 50 10
options?
12 Is piracy the only way we can protect our marine 15 45
resources?
13 Is Somali youth proud for piracy? 3 57
14 Did piracy affect Somali youth in terms of Religion, 60
culture and traditional values?

15 Is there any plan to combat piracy? 40 20

16 Can we solve the piracy problems? 54 6
17 Before piracy began in the Somali sea were there 35 25
 26

challenges faces the fishing community in Somalia?

18 Do you believe that piracy benefits for Somali youth? 12 yes 45 no
3 not
responded

These are the 19 important questions that the researcher have noted down to the interviewees for
the research, the researcher also want to ask those same questions to consider for the interview
because the researcher have five main different informants from the community such as men,
women, youth groups, religious groups like sheikhs and imams, community elders and so on. For
example the researcher will fill five questionnaires for each group like men and women and each
questionnaire contains 19 questions as per noted down so this study will be fact and substantial

1.1. When the researcher analyzed to the final information, the researcher found that 100% of
the interviewees answered the same because the pirates are impacted to the community in
many tangible aspects like bad behavior, drug abuse, higher inflation, social problems and as
well as spoiling cultural and traditional values of Somali people
1.2. 100% of people responded positively to how the Islamic religion is made forbidden to the
piracy operated activities because people of Somalia has the same religion of Islam which has
mentioned and talked about deeply to the piracy evilness and this is the only option or way that
can change people’s attitude through Islam messages.
1.3. The researcher found that 80% of the respondents answered that the tangible effects of
piracy on Somali youth is bad moral and inflation other 15% responded that the effect is in
prison and death, the last 5% responded that main effect is drug abuse, and transmitted diseases
so this clearly shows how the variations of the people’s ideas about piracy effects are different
1.4. 92% of the respondents exactly believed that the economic development of Puntland
affected by piracy because the economics of Puntland has decreased and mainly influenced
deeply to the piracy similar to high inflation, low income of marine resources to the fishing
community such as fish and lobster and so on and other 8% respondents believe that they did not
affected the economic development at any case.
1.5. 95% of respondents answered that the foreign vessels and illegal fishing has taken crucial
role in piracy activities because foreign vessels gave an opportunity to the piracy when the local
 27

fishermen claimed that the foreign vessels has taken their marine resources which was clearly
motivated and developed to piracy actions and the other 5% responds that the pirates are making
a way to attack to the commercial ships which are transporting food supply to vulnerable Somali
people.
1.6. 78% of the respondents responded that the Ignorance and illiteracy contributed highly to
piracy because if the pirates have skills and profession it will be another source their alternative
livelihood.
1.7. The researcher found that the 58% of the respondents answered the same meaning according
to the challenges faced to the fishing community in Somalia before the piracy begun in the
coastline areas such unknown diseases which affected to both human being and animal, low
income of the fishing resources, unemployment, high inflation other 42% believe that there is no
challenges.
1.8. The research pointed out that the 65% of the respondents answered similar and mentioned
that Puntland has long and short term plan to combat piracy since the election in early 2009;
Puntland has taken a unique combined approach to tackle the piracy problem. This includes
strengthening the internal security and engaging local communities to lead a public awareness
campaign to discourage new recruits and motivate pirates to quit. This approach of combined
efforts has worked effectively to eradicate piracy from Eyl coastal town, which was once known
as a piracy hub.

As noted earlier, Puntland have apprehended hundreds of pirates and processed them through the
judicial system. Puntland have also introduced a new Anti-Piracy Law and have reformed the
courts through capacity-building and increasing judiciary remuneration. Puntland Security forces
have raided pirate locations numerous times and seized vehicles and equipment, including
speedboats, ladders, satellite telephones and weapons.

Charts
This is the most important Highlighted questions that the researcher analyzed and presented in
charts which the researcher has mainly focused during research process

1.1 Did piracy have an impact on your community?

 Limited impact
 28

 Less limited impact

 More impact
Table 1
Impact of piracy on community Frequency Percentage
More Impact 58 96.7%
Less Impact 2 3.3%
Total 60 100%

This chart shows that respondents answered 100% that piracy has more impacts to Somali
community in many different ways.

1.2 Is piracy forbidden in Islamic religion?

Table 2
piracy is forbidden in Islamic religion Frequency Percentage

Yes 60 100%
No 0 0%
Total 60 100%
 29

This chart is indicating that 100% of the respondents’ belief that the Islamic perception is
absolutely prohibited piracy any action of Piracy issues.

1.3 What are the tangible effects of piracy on Somali youth?

Table 3
Tangible effects of Somali piracy Frequency Percentage

Bad moral and inflation 48 80%

Prison and death 9 15%
Drug abuse and transmitted 3 5%
Total 60 100%
 30

This chart indicates that the respondents answered 80% of the tangible effects of piracy on
Somali youth is bad moral and inflation, 15% responded that the effect is in prison and death, 5%
respondents answered that main effect is drug abuse, and transmitted diseases

1.4 Does piracy effected the economic development of Puntland?

Table 4
Puntland economic development on piracy Frequency percentage
effect
Yes 55 92%
No 5 8%
Total 60 100%
 31

This chart indicates that 92% of the respondents exactly believed that the economic development
of Puntland affected by piracy because the economics of Puntland has decreased and mainly
influenced deeply to the piracy similar to high inflation, low income of marine resources to the
fishing community and as well as unemployment for example Somalia economy depends on
mainly fishing and livestock

1.5 Does toxic waste and illegal fishing play crucial role on Somali piracy?
Table 5
Toxic waste and illegal fishing play crucial Frequency Percentage
role on Somali piracy?

Yes 57 95%
No 3 5%
Total 60 100%
 32

Toxic waste and illegal fishing play crucial role on

Somali piracy

Yes
No

This chart shows that the 95 % repondents answered that the foreign vessels and illegal fishing
has taken crucial role in piracy activities because foreign vessels gave an opportunity to the
piracy for instance the local fishermen claimed that the foreign vessels has taken their marine
resources which was clearly motivated and developed to piracy actions the other 5% responds
that the pirates are making a way to attack to the commercial ships which are transporting food
supply to vulnerable Somali people.

1.6 Ignorance and illiteracy contribution to piracy

Table 6
Ignorance and illiteracy contribution to piracy Frequency Percentage

Yes 47 78%
No 13 22%
Total 60 100%
 33

This chart indicates that respondents believes that the ignorance and illiteracy contributes to
piracy because 78% of the respondents have the same ideas towards ignorance and illiteracy are
both highly contributed

1.7 Before piracy were there challenges facing the fishing community in
Somalia
Table 7
Before piracy were there challenges faces Frequency Percentage
the fishing community in Somalia

Yes 35 58%
No 25 42%
Total 60 100%
 34

This chart shows us that 58% of the respondents answered the same according to the challenges
faced to the fishing community in Somalia before the piracy begun in the coastline such
unknown diseases which was affected to both human being and animal, low income of the
fishing resources, unemployment, high inflation and many others, other 42% believe that there is
no challenges.

1.8 Is there any plan to combat piracy?

Table 8
Is there any plan to combat piracy? Frequency Percentage

Yes 40 67%
No 20 33%
Total 60 100%
 35

Puntland plan to combat piracy

Frequency

This chart indicates that Puntland has taken a unique combined approach to tackle the piracy
problem. This includes strengthening the internal security and engaging local communities to
lead a public awareness campaign to discourage new recruits and motivate pirates to quit. This
approach of combined efforts has worked effectively to eradicate piracy from Eyl coastal town,
which was once known as a piracy hub.

Chapter V
Conclusion and recommendation

5.0 Conclusion
This chapter will specify the research and present a clear and summarized conclusion
Piracy is absolutely forbidden in Islamic religion and also in Somali’s cultural practices and as
well as piracy has negative impact on particularly Somali youth which has caused many death
and many moral effects to the all Somali youth who were definitely contributed piracy
operations in Somalia since the piracy activities began in the coast lines. The youth are most
likely to join piracy out of desperation, poverty and high unemployment rates. This category is
used as foot soldiers by more wealthy masterminds who live outside the coastal areas and are
highly influential.
Piracy is simply defined in the Islamic religion that it is evilness and wickedness issues which is
absolutely prohibited in Islam and as well as Somalis culture and traditional values
 36

Usually the pirates attack causes the higher rate of unemployment, poverty lack of socio-
economic development, low income which has became the major issues and problems that
impacts the morale and physical of the Somali youth
There are many challenges of Somali piracy on both locally and internationally usually these
challenges can overcome to make effective public awareness, create job opportunities to the
unemployed youth, skills development and capacity building for the youth is also another
important component to overcome the continues challenges of Somali youth piracy
The other major challenge is the illegal fishing and toxic wastes transported to Somalia which
usually pirates claim to protect the shores of the Somali Sea for their attacks

5.1 Recommendation
This presents the recommendations of the research paper

 Prioritized alternative livelihood options for youths should include:

o To make Improvement of fishery through provision of fishing gear

o To make Small scale business improvement through provision of micro credit and
business trainings

o To provide Artisanal crafts’ training and provision of capital

o To make Livestock improvement program for seasonal pastoralists/fishermen

 Puntland Authorities should provide better security guarantees for fishermen to ensure
that fisheries provide sustainable alternative livelihoods.

 The information on risks and mitigation measures should be integrated as risks analysis
framework into the design of the proposed counter piracy program.

 To strength local governance systems to handle localized criminality

 To improve socio-economic development for unemployment youth,

 37

 To reduce poverty and eradicate illiteracy

 To educate the public on the hazards of piracy and the effect on local economy

 To build the capacity of security forces support them for any access to vehicles and
communication equipment, which are strong alternative approach to tackle piracy
 38

References
1. Abdullahi, Rashid. (2009) Assessment report Puntland counter-piracy survey,
https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Documents/Horn%20of%20Africa/Somalia/
Norwegian%20Church%20Aid/Final%20Assessment%20Report.doc. NCA office Garowe
publishers.

2. International Expert Group on piracy, (2008). Piracy off the Somali coast:
(www.asil.org/files/SomaliaPiracyIntlExpertsreportconsolidated1.pdf)
3. Radio Garowe, web. (2011), (www.garoweonline.com/.../Speech of the President of
Puntland)
 39

Appendix a: for Questionnaire

Section one: General information

Name: __________________________________________________

Region___________________ District________________________
Age
Less than 25 30-35 40-45
50-55 60 – and above
Gender
Male
Female
Section two
1) Did piracy have an impact on your community?
 Limited impact
 Less limited impact
 More impact
2) Is piracy forbidden in Islamic religion?
Yes
No
3) What are the tangible effects of piracy on Somali youth?
4) Does piracy affected the economic development of Puntland?
Yes
No
5) Is the ignorant and illiteracy contribute the increase of piracy?
Yes
No
6) Are there influences of other countries on youth piracy?
 40

 More
 Limited
 Less limited
7) Are there strategies ready for the elimination of piracy in Somalia?
Yes
No
8) Does toxic waste and illegal fishing play crucial role on Somali piracy?
Yes
9) Is there positive relationship between inflation and piracy?
Yes
No
10) Does piracy affect the self respect of Somali youth?
Yes
No
11) Do you believe that piracy reduces alternative livelihood options?
12) Is piracy the only way we can protect our marine resources?
Yes
No
13) Is Somali youth proud for piracy?
Yes
No
14) Did piracy affect Somali youth in terms of Religion, culture and traditional values?
Yes
No
15) Is there any plan to combat piracy?
Yes
No
16) Can we solve the piracy problems?
Yes
No
 41

17) Before piracy began in the Somali Sea were there challenges faces the fishing community in
Somalia?
Yes
No
18) Do you believe that piracy benefits for Somali youth?
Yes
No
19) Do we external marine forces from the international community or Puntland marine forces
are enough to protect our sea shores?
Yes
No
i