South African Navy Ready to Take on Somali Pirates

The South African Navy, newly re-equipped with ultramodern frigates and strike craft, is ready to tackle piracy in the waters around Somalia, but is being held back by indecision on the part of government, according to media reports here.

However, despite calls from African countries and the World Food Program, the S.A. Navy has not yet deployed outside its own operational area.

In an email interview, Senior Liaison Officer Commander Prince Tshabalala said:

Protocol demands that our cabinet must be approached first via the United Nations. The UN will then approach the African Union and only then can the cabinet make a pronouncement on the matter.

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