Kinship and surveillance shape the return of Somali piracy along Puntland’s coast

Fishing under new restrictions

Bander Beyla’s fishermen say their livelihoods have been hit as piracy and security operations reshape life along the coast. One 35-year-old fisherman said fish catches had fallen and lobster prospects had become rare.

In late August, local authorities barred fishermen from going to sea for two months, amid concerns that pirates were posing as fishermen. Mohamed said fishermen risk arrest or violence whether they follow the restrictions or go out anyway.

Mohamed said dozens of men had been arrested, most after taking food or khat to pirates whose ships were anchored near Bander Beyla. He said fishermen could be mistaken for pirates and taken to prison abroad.

Community ties and piracy

Somalia’s central government collapsed in 1991, weakening maritime oversight. Some fishermen angered by foreign vessels exploiting the country’s resources have turned to piracy. Said said some pirates involved in hijackings came from Bander Beyla. He described kinship networks as social and financial support that can help pirate groups obtain credit, equipment, manpower and protection.

The effects reach beyond fishing. Said said boats carrying supplies from Yemen had stopped arriving because of the attacks. Mohamed said civilians, rather than the government, had taken the initiative to prevent young men from joining, fearing the town would suffer the consequences of attacks launched from there.

Regional security pressures

Norman said Puntland’s maritime forces had also been diverted by other security challenges. He linked the challenges of counter-piracy efforts to clan ties and obligations.