The blocking of pirate ports (wanted by the Spaniards): “bullshit”!

(BRUSSELS2) Oh... of course, Rear Admiral Hudson, commander of the European anti-piracy operation Atalanta, is much too polite and too political to admit it. And when Spanish colleagues - after his hearing at the European Parliament - asked him the question whether the Spanish idea of ​​blocking the ports of pirates was a good idea, he replied wisely: " we don't have a monopoly on good ideas. Any idea is to be studied »... He thought no less! To tell the truth - admitted to me several European officials, military and diplomats, whom I questioned - "It's a vast c...".

The idea, however, seems attractive at first glance. Why cover the entire Indian Ocean when it suffices to block the few ports from which the pirates operate? And Hudson himself admits that, for him, it is difficult: "There is nothing more frustrating for me and my men who cruise, less than 300 meters from the Somali coast, and see skiffs with people with ammunition who are not doing piracy, but prepared to do so, to prepare their acts of piracy. » Yes, but here it is... Initiating a blockade of ports is not really easy on the legal, strategic, political and tactical levels.

An act of war. First of all, the blockade of ports is an act of war. Preventing entry and exit from the coast is an act of aggression. Nor is it authorized by the United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing the use of force. Admittedly, there it is only a question of blocking the pirates. But any ship leaving the coast would also have to be searched. Now, what distinguishes an "honest" pirate from a "poor" fisherman? : the type of boat? No ; carrying weapons ? neither. Indeed, not only is the carrying of arms not prohibited at sea; but it is even recommended, according to the guidelines of the Somali government. And, then, there is no doubt that pirates would quickly adapt to this new situation. As Hudson testifies: Pirates have a lot of imagination. They are very talented entrepreneurs. One fine day, they practice their fishing activity completely legally, with a mother boat and small skiffs behind. Then like any dynamic entrepreneur, as soon as they see a boat passing on the horizon, they become pirates. »

Tactical difficulty. Then, and above all, at the operational level, how to control an entire coast, with just a few frigates? Here we find the same question of means that already arises on the high seas. The pirates operate from several areas: around Eyl, Xarardheere, the Raas of Xanfuun or Caluula. Between all these cities, there are more than 1000 km of coastline! « There would be around 3000, maybe 5000 skiffs in Somalia - assures Commodore Pieter Bindt, who commands the EU force in the area (EUNAVFOR) — and the power of money increases means "... All you need is a stretch of beach or a small cove to board the skiffs (whether fishing or pirates), there is really no need for a port, as for warships .

political bravery. Finally, you have to be ready to insure losses, on both sides. There it is no longer a question of protecting ships and acting in "self-defence". But to go on the attack. And the risk is not zero. Just ask the Norwegians who have carried out several checks near the coast. They suffered, on at least two occasions, shots from Somali boats. If there were no losses on the Norwegian side (this time), on the Somali side, we are talking about at least two deaths. I'm not entirely sure that the states (Spain, Belgium... in particular) who are calling for a blockade of the ports, would be ready to bear such losses, repeated every day...