Opinion - Steady as she goes – as CGPCS enters 2017 |11 January 2017

In a recent interview with SBC television I mentioned that although there had been no successful attacks against IMO registered vessels by Somali pirates in the year 2016, and that the last of the hostages, crew from the FV Naham 3 were successfully released in October 2016 after long negotiations by the Hostage Support Programme, the objectives of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) had been met. With this statement some may think that this is mission accomplished. In part it is.

It is certain that in some quarters momentum to wrap up the work of the group, sooner rather than later, is being promoted. It is equally correct to say that for others within the community, it is rather an opportunity to ensure that what has been achieved to date is not lost and that the good name of the CGPCS is somehow preserved as the region goes into ‘post Somali piracy mode’, and continued rebuilding efforts.

In the meantime our work at the secretariat continues supporting all members, the various working groups and of course the chairmanship, with Seychelles again successfully in the seat for 2017. 

One interesting area of work which the secretariat has gladly taken up is to support the idea that was started early in 2016, that being the Sir James Mancham Centre for Peace Studies and Diplomacy, under the University of Seychelles. Without going into too great detail and considering the loss suffered by the Seychellois nation just a few days ago on January 8, 2017 with the passing of former President James Mancham, makes this work by the CGPCS secretariat even more important.

Piracy threats in the Western Indian Ocean remain, even as Somalia as a country with the support of the international community tries to stabilise itself. The Somali parliament having sworn in on December 27, 2016 is scheduled to elect a new president on January 24, 2017.  

Priorities for sure are many and with emerging security threats globally and within the region, understanding  that resources are stretched, it would be sound strategy to ensure that an approach made under the CGPCS umbrella, with lessons learnt and partnerships made and strengthened, could be maintained in one form or another.

 A ‘steady as she goes’ approach therefore for the CGPCS community in 2017 should be the preferred avenue of response  even as other initiatives are considered and as the Federal Republic of Somalia takes the needed sound steps to stabilise itself so that peace, progress and prosperity can be given an opportunity to grow and flourish.

Raymond St Ange

Head of CGPCS Secretariat

Seychelles Chairmanship 2016/2017