Mapping Pirate Booty

Chatham House has released a report where they use nightlight emissions and high resolution satellite imagery to look at the effects of piracy on the Somali economy and establish which groups benefit from ransom monies.

• Pirates appear to be investing money principally in the main cities of Garowe and Bosasso rather than in the coastal communities where pirate activity is located.

• The positive economic impacts of piracy are widely spread, so a military strategy to eradicate piracy could seriously undermine local development.

• Villages that have gained little from hosting pirates may be more open to a negotiated solution which would be to their benefit.