Le Monde | Pirates are making a comeback off Somalia, fueled by the war in the Middle East

Ship at sea near the Port of Mogadishu, Somalia. Image credit: Risk Intelligence

Louis Borer, Senior Analyst at Risk Intelligence, was recently interviewed by Le Monde on the resurgence of piracy off the Somali coast amid shifting maritime routes and regional instability.

27 May 2026

The original article was published on 19 May 2026 on Le Monde’s website.

Borer noted that Somali pirate groups are not solely engaged in piracy but are involved in a range of illicit activities, including arms trafficking and the trade of khat. According to him, disruptions to these activities linked to naval deployments and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to a renewed incentive to turn to piracy.

He also highlighted that maritime security measures place a significant financial burden on shipping companies, with armed guards representing the highest additional cost. Borer further explained the logistical constraints involved, noting that vessels cannot enter territorial waters with armed personnel on board, which has led to the use of floating armories positioned at the edge of international waters.

Read the full article in French on Le Monde (behind paywall)

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