UniSey to hold lectures on changing patterns of power in the Indian Ocean |26 April 2018

The UniSey’s Sir James Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute is organising a series of open discussions on the theme patterns of power are changing.

The first of these events will be on the future of Somalia and will be held at The Station, Sans Souci, on Thursday May 17 from 4.30pm to 6pm.

A communiqué from UniSey states: “Early signs for Seychelles that all is not well came with incidents of piracy off the coast of Somalia. With the help of an international response, this threat has at least been contained (though by no means eliminated). But as well as piracy, the Indian Ocean has become the scene of other maritime crimes – drugs and people trafficking, an illegal trade in protected wildlife, and arms to fuel terrorism and ongoing conflicts.”

Beyond the turquoise waters around our islands, there are changes at sea. New global alignments – especially with the rise of China and India – are leading to changing power relations in the Indian Ocean.  Not so long ago people were hoping for an ocean of peace. Now that prospect seems more distant.

Meanwhile, various nations are strengthening their presence in the region. If one doubts the extent of this, just take a look at the small but strategically placed country of Djibouti.

The United States already has a permanent base and China is now matching this with its own. Additionally, France (the former colonial power) retains a presence for its own forces and provides facilities for Spain and Germany, while Italy (another ex-colonial power in the Horn of Africa) also has a base. 

To add to these, Djibouti is the site of Japan’s only foreign military base and Saudi Arabia is making its own move onto this busy stretch of African coastline.