Somali pirates have reemerged after a five-month hiatus, renewing concerns about the security of global shipping routes. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), operating under Operation ATALANTA, recently issued a warning after a suspected pirate action group (PAG) departed Somalia’s northern-central coast. This signals a resurgence of piracy in the region, where lawlessness has created fertile conditions for maritime crime once again.

The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) reported that a group of 13 armed pirates left Ceel Huur near Hobyo and is making its way toward the Indian Ocean. “All vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity,” MSCHOA warned, heightening fears of renewed hijackings and violent confrontations on the seas.

The resurgence follows months of relative calm, with the last major incident occurring in June 2024 when the Marshall Islands-flagged PACIFIC HONOR was approached by suspicious vessels. Though that incident ended without violence, it underscored that Somali pirates had not disappeared, but were instead lying in wait for more favorable conditions. Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group, noted that the end of the monsoon season now provides pirates with better weather to resume their activities. “We’ve been warning clients of the increased risk as soon as conditions improved,” he added.

While global piracy incidents have declined significantly in recent years, the threat posed by Somali pirates remains. According to the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) 2024 report, piracy incidents from January to September dropped to their lowest level since 1994. However, Somali pirates continue to operate, albeit with more sophisticated tactics. No longer limited to small skiffs, pirates are now using dhows and fishing vessels as “mother ships,” which allow them to strike far out at sea, sometimes as much as 800 nautical miles from the coast. This shift complicates international efforts to prevent and intercept their attacks.

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Recent incidents serve as a reminder of the threat these pirates pose. In December 2023, the MV Ruen was hijacked and held for three months before Indian naval forces intervened. Similarly, in March 2024, the MV Abdullah was seized, with the crew only released after a ransom was paid. Somali pirates are not only active but also increasingly emboldened, demanding substantial ransoms that fuel their operations.

This renewed piracy wave is part of a broader security crisis in the region, where Somali pirates operate alongside other threats, such as Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The rising danger in these waters has prompted shipping companies to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing travel times and operational costs. Fewer ships are now available to patrol piracy hotspots in the Indian Ocean, giving pirates greater freedom to operate.

Despite declining global piracy numbers, Somali waters remain a high-risk area. According to the IMB, there were 79 piracy incidents globally between January and September 2024, the lowest recorded since 1994. Nonetheless, Somali pirates remain a potent force. During these incidents, 111 crew members were taken hostage, 11 were kidnapped, and reports of violence against crew members are increasing.

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The financial toll of piracy is immense. The global economy loses billions annually to piracy, with estimates for 2020 reaching $37 billion. Somali piracy has long been one of the most disruptive forces in international shipping, and the costs of rerouting vessels and paying ransoms only add to the growing burden.

As Somali pirates return to the high seas, the international community faces a renewed challenge. Although naval forces, including those from India, have played key roles in recent rescues, the evolving tactics of pirates and the shifting regional security landscape demand continued vigilance. The resurgence of piracy not only threatens the safety of seafarers but also has profound economic implications, underscoring the need for coordinated global efforts to address this persistent menace.

Amid Explosions and Controversy, Somali Women Defy Odds in Groundbreaking Beauty Pageant

On a night when most of Somalia tuned in to the Euro football final, a very different kind of spectacle unfolded at Mogadishu’s Elite Hotel. Hundreds gathered to witness the Miss Somalia pageant, a daring celebration of beauty and resilience in one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a woman. Just a kilometer away, the grim reality of Somali life was underscored by a car bomb explosion that killed five and injured twenty. The militant group al-Shabab, notorious for its reign of terror over Somalia, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The juxtaposition of a beauty pageant with such violence highlights the schizophrenic nature of life in Somalia. While pageant contestants paraded in glamorous gowns, the nearby explosion shattered the night, a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of terrorism. This contrast paints a vivid picture of a nation grappling with its identity and future.

Hani Abdi Gas, founded the competition in 2021. In a country where Islamist militants and conservative traditions dominate, her initiative is nothing short of revolutionary. Gas, who grew up in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya before returning to Somalia in 2020, sees the pageant as more than a beauty contest. It’s a platform for lifting women’s voices, fostering unity, and empowering Somali women.

Gas believes that Somalia, long deemed one of the worst places to be a woman, is ready to join the rest of the world in celebrating female beauty and aspiration. “I want to celebrate the aspirations of women from diverse backgrounds, build their confidence, and give them a chance to showcase Somali culture worldwide,” she said.

This year’s contestants reflected this diversity. Among them was a policewoman, a powerful symbol of women breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated society. However, not everyone was pleased. Many Somalis view beauty pageants as affronts to their culture and religion. Clan leader Ahmed Abdi Halane expressed disgust, saying, “Such things are against our culture and our religion. If a girl wears tight clothes and appears on stage, it will bring shame upon her family and her clan. Women are supposed to stay at home and wear modest clothes.”

Some women also oppose the pageant. Sabrina, a student, criticized the contestants for appearing in public without covering their necks, saying, “It is good to support the Somali youth but not in ways that conflict with our religion.”

Despite these criticisms, the pageant proceeded with its vibrant display of Somali culture. Aisha Ikow, a 24-year-old university student and make-up artist, was crowned Miss Somalia, taking home a $1,000 prize. Ikow, representing South-West state, vowed to use her platform to combat early marriage and promote girls’ education. “The competition celebrates Somali culture and beauty while shaping a brighter future for women,” she said.

The judging panel, which included Miss Somalia 2022 and a representative from the Ministry of Youth, found it hard to choose a winner. They assessed contestants on physical beauty, public speaking, and stage presence. An online vote, costing $1 per vote, funded the event and future international pageant participation.

The glitzy event in a luxury hotel contrasted sharply with the harsh realities faced by most Somali women. Four million Somalis, a quarter of the population, are internally displaced, with up to 80% being women. The UN ranks Somalia near the bottom on the Gender Inequality Index, with alarming rates of gender-based violence and female genital mutilation. Traditional practices still dictate that a rapist must marry his victim, and legal protections for women are severely lacking.

Despite these challenges, the Miss Somalia pageant signifies a slow but significant change. The fact that such an event could be held in Mogadishu, even amid nearby violence, indicates a shift in societal attitudes and an improvement in security.

The crowd at the Elite Hotel stayed until the early hours, undeterred by the attack’s proximity. They were engrossed in the pageant, the sound of the explosion drowned out by the waves crashing on the nearby beach.

In a nation torn by conflict and conservative values, the Miss Somalia pageant stands as a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the resilience of Somali women and their determination to carve out spaces of empowerment and celebration. As Somalia continues to navigate its complex identity, events like these are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and progressive future.

Kiin Hassan Fakat, reporting with Bilan Media, and Mary Harper, author of two books on Somalia, provide a lens into this transformative moment, capturing the courage and aspirations of Somali women amidst a backdrop of turmoil.

Despite a global drop in piracy incidents, Somali waters are seeing a dangerous resurgence in violence, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance. The International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) mid-year report for 2024 reveals a paradoxical trend: while the number of piracy and armed robbery incidents worldwide has decreased, the severity and brutality of these attacks are on the rise, particularly off the coast of Somalia.

The IMB recorded 60 piracy incidents in the first half of 2024, a slight decline from 65 in the same period last year. However, the nature of these attacks is increasingly violent. Perpetrators successfully boarded 84% of targeted vessels, with 85 crew members taken hostage, 11 kidnapped, and two threatened. Weapons such as guns and knives were used in 34 of the 60 incidents, marking a troubling increase in violence.

In Somali waters, eight incidents were reported, including three hijackings, showcasing the enduring threat posed by Somali pirates. On January 4, 2024, the MV Lila Norfolk, a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, was attacked 455 nautical miles southeast of Eyl. Armed pirates fired upon and boarded the vessel, but the crew was able to muster in the citadel and await rescue by the Indian Navy. Fortunately, all 21 crew members were unharmed.

A more harrowing incident occurred on March 12, 2024, when Somali pirates hijacked the MV Abdullah, a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier, 550 nautical miles east of Mogadishu. The pirates, heavily armed and numbering over twenty, demanded a $5 million ransom. After tense negotiations, the vessel and its 23 crew members were released on April 14, 2024. This event marked a significant and alarming resurgence in Somali piracy, demonstrating the pirates’ capacity to operate far from their home shores and target vessels with impunity.

The IMB emphasizes the importance of continued regional cooperation and sustained vigilance to protect seafarers and secure global shipping routes. “While the decline in reported incidents is welcome,” said IMB Director Michael Howlett, “there is no room for complacency.” The organization urges vessel owners and masters to adhere to the latest Best Management Practices (BMP) and consider employing Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) when transiting high-risk areas like Somali waters.

Somali piracy not only endangers lives but also disrupts global trade and raises shipping costs. The resurgence of these violent attacks serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats in international waters and the need for a robust and coordinated response from the global maritime community.

Increased Houthi Militancy Spurs New Wave of Pirate Activity off Somalia’s Coast

The resurgence of piracy off Somalia’s coast has been linked to the recent increase in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea. According to Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva, a European naval commander, this development has reinvigorated Somali pirate networks, leading to a rise in both the number and sophistication of pirate groups.

The Yemen-based Houthis began targeting vessels in the Red Sea last year as part of their strategy to pressure Israel and its allies over the war in Gaza. This campaign has significantly disrupted global shipping, forcing many vessels to take longer, more expensive routes around southern Africa. The resulting surge in carbon emissions and freight costs has been substantial as ships extend their travel times to avoid the Red Sea.

Pirates in Somalia have seized this opportunity, exploiting the increased maritime traffic along Somalia’s coast. They have ventured further into the Indian Ocean, testing the limits of Western and international naval operations designed to curb piracy. Admiral Villanueva highlighted that pirates are now using tactics that involve hijacking smaller boats like skiffs or dhows, which they use to launch attacks on larger vessels in the middle of the Indian Ocean after about ten days at sea.

The recent surge in piracy includes 30 attacks on commercial vessels, fishing boats, and dhows since November. The pirates involved are reportedly more organized, better armed, and larger in numbers than in previous years. Villanueva noted that recent attacks have involved groups of 25 to 30 pirates, equipped with satellite phones and heavy weapons, demonstrating a high level of coordination and capability.

In December, the first successful hijacking of a vessel off the Somali coast since 2017 occurred when pirates took hostages on the Malta-flagged MV Ruen. The crew of 18 was eventually rescued by Indian, Japanese, and Spanish warships. This incident marks a troubling return to the kind of piracy that plagued the region in the early 2000s, peaking in 2011 with 237 incidents and 736 hostages taken.

The rise in piracy has been fueled by the instability caused by the Houthis, whose attacks on commercial ships reached a peak last month with 16 vessels targeted, according to naval forces in the region. The interplay between the Houthi militancy and Somali piracy underscores the broader geopolitical instability affecting maritime security in the region.

The renewed threat of piracy presents significant challenges for international naval operations, which must now contend with increasingly daring and sophisticated pirate groups. As global shipping routes are disrupted, the international community must find ways to address both the immediate security threats and the underlying political and economic factors driving the resurgence of piracy.