Overcoming violence Indian Ocean Marine is a challenge that requires coordinated efforts of all countries involved.It is from this perspective that held the seminar on maritime violence organized by the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius Tuesday, February 28 at Ebony.
Twenty-six representatives of the Seychelles, Tanzania, Comoros, Maldives and Yemen gathered around the same table to discuss ways to fight against piracy. Arvin Boolell, Mauritian Foreign Minister, David Campbell, military and political advisor to the Embassy of the United States, and Troy Fitrell, charge d'affaires, were also present.
The program for this conference, the issues of maritime terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing or port security. Issues affecting the whole region and which strongly affect international trade. "This represents a loss of one million dollars for trade in the Indian Ocean" , says Troy Fitrell.
The challenge now is to coordinate international efforts for Somalia. The aim is to combat violence against maritime detrimental to international trade and is a permanent threat to global security of the Indian Ocean area. But also "work in unison on the economic, political and humanitarian help Somalia overcome famine and civil war" , ensures Arvin Boolell.
All representatives agreed that the crucial first step is to help the Somalis to restore order in their country and protect them against pirates and terrorists. A comprehensive reform of the political system would be the key to all the excesses that affect Somalia.
The foreign minister has also announced the decisions made during the conference on Somalia held recently in London. There were present alongside the Prime Minister and welcomed the decision of an augmentation of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to 17 700 troops to support the fight against militants Shebab.