Hired guns can help to tackle threat of piracy, says minister

Private security contractors could play a valuable role in countering maritime piracy, the British minister for Africa said during a visit to the UAE yesterday. The number of companies offering antipiracy training and protection has soared in recent years due to the rise of the threat, although not without controversy. As long as they are closely regulated, contracted security could be useful at sea and on land in Somalia, said the British minister, Henry Bellingham. Some companies have sought deals with Somalia's regional governments to train local law enforcement officials, while others have placed armed guards aboard ships to ward off pirates. Many companies are registered in Britain and staffed by former military personnel from the UK, US and other countries. The trend has generated debate in shipping, defence and government circles, with some backing the need for effective protection and others fearing the lack of regulation and the threat of escalating violence. Mr Bellingham expressed confidence in the companies. He said they were "setting the highest possible standards" and that British companies - some contracted by his government - were "carefully regulated". He believes they fulfil security needs while the Somali authorities lack the ability to control their waters or crack down on piracy. "You can't just build a navy overnight, and it presupposes you have the facilities for training," he said. "In the meantime, there is a role for private security companies." Contractors have had similar work in the region, including training the navy in Tanzania. Whether Somalia hired companies was their decision, he said. "The most important thing from our point of view is that they are properly regulated," he added. (The National)