Things are turning ugly as the Somali pirates fortify themselves against foreign naval ships that are moving in to patrol Africa’s longest coastline. Militia men are stormed into villages close to the coast to claim a share of any ransom money paid in exchange for hostages. These militia men who see themselves as law enforcers brought some order to Mogadishu at least two years ago when they curtailed piracy but were ousted from power by the present transitional federal government. As they penetrated the pirate bases over the weekend, they set their sights on regaining control over the pirates who would in turn help finance the purchase of weapons that would be used to further weaken the federal government.

The pirates operating in the territorial waters of Somalia which as been labeled a failed state were once fishermen have taken the law into their hands arming themselves with satellite phones, GPS systems, Small arms and rocket propelled grenades. Their level of sophistication is such that they leave no money trail. The ransom paid to them is hard cash which is often divided amongst the pirates and trickles down to the lower levels within their communities.

Piracy which started over a decade ago as a response to illegal fishing by foreigners including big European fishing companies as become a lucrative business and will be difficult to deal with as hundreds of fishermen dump their fishing nets, arm themselves and head for the high seas. The UN security council resolutions which have been relied on to control piracy can now be likened to a toothless dog.

As the situation escalates, speculation abounds that the private military firm Blackwater known for it’s role in enforcing law in disaster-stricken areas as well as protecting US diplomatic missions may take over the task of securing the Gulf of Aden alongside European Union warships. There are fears that if this security organization which employs ex-military men is let loose in this zone, the pirates who on many occasions the not harmed the hostages could resort to violence. Charged with adrenalin Blackwater security men could throw the rules of engagement to one side, venture into territorial waters and a blood bath could ensue. Imagine that!

This company often referred to by critics as a mercenary organization has come under fire many times before most recently in Iraq September 2007 when 17 civilians were killed by Blackwater security men. There are concerns that these paramilitary types are a threat to a region that is desperate for some semblance of order at a time when the existing government in Somalia is ineffective.

Suggestions for the establishment of a UN maritime peace keeping force and the intervention of NATO will not achieve anything if the economic and political crisis in the failed state of Somalia is not resolved.