July 10, 2008 - 14:34
Germany should not surrender to pirate demands

The kidnapping of 3 civilian German tourists by pirates from port town of Lasqoray (Somaliland) should not be swapped for ransom. Instead, the German government should see the kidnapping for what it is – A scheme conceived, planned and executed from Lasqoray by some of its residents.

Role of elders in Somali culture:

In Somali culture the elders have absolute autonomy in getting positive outcomes on issues that relate to members of its own tribe, particularly, when inaction threatens the security of the whole tribe. In the current case there is no incentive for the elders of Lasqoray to do much about the ransom demanding kidnappers of 3 Germans because there are no consequences if the elders can’t help with the release of these innocent kidnap victims.

However, if the German government makes it unequivocally clear to the elders of Lasqoray that the kidnapping was conceived, planned and executed from the port town of Lasqoray and that the port town would shoulder any adverse consequences of this piratical scheme then the elders will unleash their real power and help release the German hostages. Until such stern warning is served the elders will not act in any serious way.

The German government must make it clear to the elders that:

1. The port town of Lasqoray is responsible for the kidnap.
2. They will not pay a single dime to the pirates
3. If anything happens to the kidnap victims the elders will bear responsibility
4. They are either with the Germans or they are against them – No wiggle room.
5. Lasqoray will never have a functioning port ever again
6. Lasqoray’s light industry and port will be destroyed as a consequence.
7. The elders should be reminded German actions will be 10 times harsher than what the French did to the other pirates.
8. The elders will be seen as husbanding a new piracy industry.

Other actions and ideas for the German government:

1. They should put some military pressure on the pirates such as flying helicopters over their location.
2. They should be very patient and strategize for a long hostage crisis.

What the elders can do to cooperate with the German demands:

1. They can send their militia to infiltrate the pirates
2. They should not allow the pirates to move from their current position

The mind set of the Pirates:

1. The pirates know they can only operate in an area where they are surrounded and supported by their own tribesmen.
2. They know if their tribesmen can’t support them they can’t be save
3. They are not suicidal if not attacked.

In conclusion the elders must make it clear to the pirates that they are a dead toast waiting to be destroyed if they do not release the hostages. The pirates must know they are surrounded and will not be let go. Even if they are given the ransom the elders have an obligation to trap them and turn them over to authorities. They should know their movement is monitored by satellites and will be obliterated once they release the hostages and that their best chance is to let the hostages go unharmed. That is the best deal they can get out of this situation. They must realize they are not in Puntland - home of the pirates.

Adan Moomin
Moominadan_@yahoo.com