The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted resolution 2316 (2016), renewing for another year its authorization for international naval forces to join in fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia. The Council stressed that, while the threat of such crime had declined, it still remained a matter of grave concern.
The Security Council affirmed the primary responsibility of Somali authorities in the effort, and renewed the call upon States and regional organizations to cooperate with those authorities and each other.
Such aid could include the deployment of naval vessels and military aircraft, logistical support, and seizing and disposing of boats, arms and related equipment reasonably suspected to be used in piracy and armed robbery in the area.
The Council noted the continuing gap in domestic capacity and legal frameworks for the detention and prosecution of suspected pirates and those who profit from the crimes. It therefore recognized the need for national legislative action and international capacity-building assistance.
Following the adoption, Mohamed Rabi A. Yusuf, representative of Somalia, thanked the Security Council for its valuable support to his country in all areas, including addressing piracy, and asked for continued support from the international community. He noted the recognition of the Secretary-General’s report that a lack of economic opportunity in the country was one of the triggers of piracy.
Mohamed Rabi A. Yusuf, representative of Somalia, welcomed the adoption and assured the Council of his Government’s full cooperation. He also expressed appreciation that the Council accepted that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing had caused a loss of revenue and could lead to destabilization