Court for Piracy: Mauritius Commitment Does Not Have Unanimity

Throwing its weight behind the fight against maritime piracy constitutes a danger to the international trade in particular in the region, Mauritius is ready to judge the first suspected Somali pirates, that in September 2012.

This is the Chief Justice himself, Bernard Sik Yuen, who announced this week in the presence of Judicial Officers of the region of East Africa. The trial will be heard by the judge Prithiviraj Fekna, currently President of the Assize Court.

However, the return of Maurice in this' guerre'n'est not to everyone's taste. Vijay Makhan, former deputy secretary general of the African Union believes that a matter that affects the security of the State should have been taken after extensive consultation, including with the opposition.

"A does one measure the implications of our commitment to this fight? We are a small country. Compared to some other countries in the region, we do not have the facilities required to assume such responsibility. The suspected pirates are only a weak link in a larger network. Do we have the military capability to cope with possible attacks against the extended network of piracy? "

With the announcement of the Chief Judge, Maurice can not turn back. Following the agreement that Mauritius has signed with the European Union in June of last year, she agreed to try on its soil suspected pirates operating in the area of ??the Indian Ocean.

All the logistics to carry out this phase of the fight against piracy is ready. A special wing was built at the Petit Verger Prison to house suspected pirates. Funding for the construction of this infrastructure comes from the European Union. The staff responsible for investigations has been properly trained.

Britain is also involved in the fight against piracy in this region. " Spending time diplomatic, we are investing in our own security and prosperity for years to come. Britain has pledged to contribute not only at the London Conference, but for years to come , "said William Hague, foreign secretary in February 2011.

It was to evoke the signing of a MOU with Mauritius for transfer by the Royal Navy at Port-Louis, of suspected pirates operating in the Indian Ocean.