Watching The World: Now Russians enter Somalia

Oct. 6, 2008
The oil industry may think it can breathe a sigh of relief now that authorities in Somalia have called for help in getting rid of pirates infesting its waters. But think before you breathe.
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The oil industry may think it can breathe a sigh of relief now that authorities in Somalia have called for help in getting rid of pirates infesting its waters. But think before you breathe.

“I call on the Somali people to fight against the pirates,” said Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed. “I also call on the international community to act quickly on what is happening in Somali waters as well as on shore.”

Yusuf was speaking just a week after the seizure of a Ukrainian cargo ship—the MV Faina—carrying tanks and other weaponry. The seizure attracted further international attention on piracy off Somalia, whose waters command access to a route through which about 30% of the world’s oil transits.

“I condemn the pirates, who are undermining trade and international maritime traffic off the Somali coast,” said Yusuf. “They are imposing an embargo on the Somali people and the international community because they are blocking movement between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, which affects not only Somalia but the whole world,” Yusuf said.

Common sense approach

So far, so good. It seems like common sense. And the international community did appear to be doing just what Yusuf asked for as several US warships blockaded the MV Faina to prevent the offloading of its military cargo.

But Yusuf apparently was not happy enough with that sort of action by US and allied forces in the region. He wants stronger remedies and has asked the Russians to provide them—at least according to the Somali ambassador in Moscow.

Somalia welcomes Russian help in fighting piracy off its coast and is “not satisfied” with warships from other countries, said Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Handule.

President Yusuf “gave permission for Russian ships to enter the sea (off Somalia) and fight the pirates in the sea and on the coast,” he said.

Russia complies

“Many warships can be found near our shores, but we are not satisfied with the results of their activities,” the ambassador added. “More than 10 countries are patrolling (Somalia waters) but we have asked Russia and she agreed to our request.”

Even as he spoke, the Russian Navy confirmed that the frigate Neustrashimy was heading for Somali waters.

The Neutrashimy is said to be a multifunctional vessel capable of antisub, antiship and antiaircraft support. It carries the Vodopad-NK missile and torpedo system and displaces more than 4,000 tonnes. Its navigation range is about 3,000 miles.

“Russia will continue to send its ships to risky areas in order to protect Russian citizens and to ensure safe navigation,” said one Russian official.

That sounds like the justification Russia used back in August when it decided to invade Georgia. With that in mind, don’t breathe any sighs of relief just yet. Do we really want the Russians in control of a shipping lane that sees so much of the world’s oil?