Strategic Insights No 46
The Rise, fall and rebirth of the Puntland Marine Police Force
James Marcus Bridger
Since its inception in 2010, the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) has had a tumultuous history that has provided plenty of fodder for both critics and supporters. This article provides a detailed overview of this history and also considers two options for the PMPF’s future now that reports of its dissolution have proved premature. For now, though, it seems like the PMPF remains dogged by problems of legitimacy, funding, and international acceptance. Since its inception in 2010, the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) has had a tumultuous history that has provided plenty of fodder for both critics and supporters. This article provides a detailed overview of this history and also considers two options for the PMPF’s future now that reports of its dissolution have proved premature. For now, though, it seems like the PMPF remains dogged by problems of legitimacy, funding, and international acceptance.
Beyond the aircraft carrier?
Sebastian Bruns
Non-traditional security challenges are prominent in many strategists’ minds and this article looks at the evolution of US naval strategy beyond the aircraft carrier. It outlines current thinking on power projection and how these challenges fit into naval strategy debates. In describing the different regional partnerships, the article highlights the successes in addressing these challenges but also notes the tensions for the Navy against a backdrop of ongoing debates over broader missions as well as likely budget cuts.
Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: As bad as always or getting worse?
Dirk Steffen
Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has been under the media spotlight in recent months. This article reviews the evidence to see if this piracy is indeed a new phenomenon. Piracy is not uniform in the region and the article looks at tanker hijackings as well as kidnap-for-ransom attacks against general shipping. Onshore dynamics are at play, particularly with the Nigerian government’s amnesty programme. Tankers remain a lucrative target and their vulnerability is exploited by well-organised criminal groups. Ultimately, it is business as usual.
The Korean Peninsula: Maritime security for commercial shipping and offshore
Risk Intelligence analysts
The Korean Peninsular has been the focus of attention recently with threats of missile tests and direct military action from North Korea. This article looks specifically at risks to commercial shipping and offshore of this fluid security situation, covering border actions, missile tests, and wider conflict. While direct military threats are a low probability, the situation could change at short notice, requiring additional security measures to be quickly implemented.
Somalia: Ports overview and update
Risk Intelligence analysts
This article gives an overview of the key ports in Somalia – Mogadishu, Kismayo and Berbera – in light of recent developments in the country, notably the defeats suffered by al-Shabab and the military intervention by Kenya. All the ports have returned to operational status, but certain unique local conditions are worth noting. Overall, the situation in southern Somalia remains fragile while Berbera in Somaliland has perhaps the best security of the former republic of Somalia ports.