The European Union will provide about EUR37 million for its Regional Maritime Security program (MASE) for strengthening the fight against piracy in several Eastern and Southern African countries, it was announced on Tuesday.
In the past decade, the level of maritime insecurity in the waters of Eastern and Southern Africa has become the highest in the world, undermining development and affecting the well-being of millions of people, the European bloc said in a press release announcing the latest funding.
"The EU has been present in the region since 2008 to address the deteriorating situation and to harden ships against attack. Thanks to these efforts piracy has decreased from 299 attacks in 2011 to 111 in 2012 (a reduction of over 62 percent), while the number of hijackings dropped from 25 to 12. So far, attacks remain at this low level in 2013. Yet the situation remains reversible," the press release said.
The new program will help develop the legal and judicial system of countries in the region, so that they are better equipped for the arrest and transfer of pirates. Financial oversight systems will also be strengthened, by providing training for the authorities to prevent the movement of funds contributing to, or resulting from piracy. Capacity-building, and providing material logistic support on security, will help improve surveillance and patrol of the coastline.
In Somalia, in particular, the program will also carry out anti-piracy awareness campaigns in areas where piracy is prevalent; as well as providing vulnerable groups of young men with training so that they successfully pursue alternative vocations. This is intended to help Somali administration and communities in initiating home-grown solutions to these problems.
"This new European support marks a step forward in the fight against piracy because it demonstrates the EU's on-going commitment to combating this complex problem. Strengthening security in the maritime routes is crucial for us because it will help boosting trade and growth in the region, which would enormously improve people's lives." said Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.
Separately, EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton was quoted as saying in the press release that the new funding is another sign of the European bloc's strong commitment to "stamp out" piracy in the region.
"It forms part of our comprehensive approach to assisting countries in the region, which means that we deal with the causes as well as the symptoms of piracy. We have made huge strides over last few years, and this money will help to build on the progress we have made by strengthening legal systems, improving financial controls and training young men to find alternatives to piracy." Ashton added.
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