Does Somali piracy have any ‘developmental effects’?

There has been growing debate about where the spoils of Somali piracy have been going. How far are they helping to support the Islamist terrorist group al-Shabaab? Is some of the money going into the pockets of local politicians and businessmen with links to the pirates? Could a surprisingly large portion of the spoils be percolating through to ordinary Somalis?

The public evidence base on which to base judgements has always been limited. The security situation in Somalia and off its coastline is certainly not conducive to researchers. However, in January 2012, Chatham House published a study by Dr Anja Shortland of Brunel University which used satellite technology to try and overcome this obstacle. In the report, entitled “Treasure mapped: Using satellite imagery to track the developmental effects of Somali piracy” (Africa Programme Paper AFP PP 2012/01). Dr Shortland does not address the issue of possible linkages with al-Shabaab. But, as the title indicates, she does look at the issue of ‘developmental effects’, concluding that there is significant evidence of shared, if unequal, economic benefits across different sections of local society. However, Dr Shortland’s report quickly provoked a critical response from the Puntland Government’s Minister for Maritime Transport, Ports and Counter-Piracy, HE Saeed Mohamed Rage.

This note briefly summarises the main arguments made by Dr Shortland and then provides the full response of the Puntland Government. It does not adjudicate on the merits of their respective positions.