Sending SDF to Somalia on 'anti-piracy mission' is unjustifiable

Japan Press Weekly

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Sending SDF to Somalia on 'anti-piracy mission' is unjustifiable

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

The government is laying the groundwork for sending Self-Defense Force ships to waters near Somalia under the pretext of ensuring the safety of Japanese tankers against piracy.

Prime Minister Aso Taro intends to send SDF warships to Somalia in order to set the preliminary stage for a new law to allow the SDF to take part in defending foreign ships and use force, if necessary. It is outrageous for the government to cling to the SDF dispatch plan instead of considering political and diplomatic roles Japan might play in resolving the situation.

International anti-piracy efforts must first take into account the need to help enhance the maritime patrol capability of Somalia's neighboring countries, which are most familiar with the situation. There are many things that Japan can do to this end. Given the fact that the Japan Coast Guard has for many years developed skills for maritime patrol through their anti-piracy efforts in the Malacca Straits and other parts of Asia, it can provide Somalia's neighboring countries with those skills. It can also extend financial support to them for purchasing patrol boats.

Pirates are on the rampage in the waters off the coast of Somalia against a background of the collapse of the economy as well as government in Somalia due to a civil war that has continued for more than 20 years. In the midst of this turmoil, Somalia's fishermen, who have lost their jobs, have been induced to become pirates. International cooperation to help put an end to Somalia's turmoil and rebuild the country is essential for eradicating piracy there.

If direct assistance in the effort to ensure the safe passage of tankers is necessary, Japan should first consider using the Japan Coast Guard because maritime police organizations are chiefly responsible for the maintenance of order on the high seas.

As Article 1 of the Coast Guard Law (*) states that the Japan Coast Guard is established "for the purpose of protecting life and property", its task is to exercise police authority to protect the marine order. This is why Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu has acknowledged that the anti-piracy operation is primarily the task of the Japan Coast Guard.

*(Establishment and Purpose)

Article 1.

For the purpose of protecting life and property and preventing, detecting and suppressing violation of law at sea, there shall be established as an external organization under the jurisdiction of the Minister of LIT, the Japan Coast Guard in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 3 of the National Government Organization Law (Law No.120 of 1948).

2. The line of demarcation between a port in the mouth of a river and the river shall be as prescribed by the Cabinet Order issued under Article 2 of the Port Regulations Law (Law No. 174 of 1948).

When Prime Minister Aso Taro referred to the question of anti-piracy efforts at the New Year press conference on January 4, he reiterated his view that exercising a right of collective self-defense should be discussed. Clearly, the prime minister had in mind the use of firearms on missions to protect foreign ships.

We demand that the government stop considering sending SDF ships to waters near Somalia under the pretext of an anti-piracy effort.

- Akahata, January 14, 2009