From piracy to advocacy: The transformative journey of Fuáad Hirsi Bare

The coast of Somalia was once notorious for piracy, but recent years have seen a significant decline in attacks on ships. This shift is partly due to the efforts of individuals like Fu'aad Hirsi Bare, a former pirate who now works to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of piracy.

Fu'aad spent nearly a decade in an Omani prison for his involvement in piracy. Speaking to the BBC, he recounted his journey from piracy to imprisonment and eventual transformation.

In 2011, influenced by a friend, Fu'aad joined a group of pirates. "A young man called me and said, 'Come join these men.' He gave me $36,000 (Sh4.68 million) to buy fuel, and in June 2011, we went to sea," Fu'aad said.

The group prepared for their voyage in the town of Garacad before setting out to sea. This decision was fueled by the dire economic conditions in Somalia, where limited opportunities pushed many young men toward illegal activities.

Their activities included attacking ships, which led to a fatal encounter with a Turkish ship. "We attacked a Turkish ship, which fired at us, killing one of the five young men with us," Fu'aad explained. The danger and violence of their actions quickly became evident.

After a series of attacks, their luck ran out. "As we were returning to bring back the body of the man who had died, a Dutch ship attacked us with aircraft and captured us," Fu'aad recounted.

The group was handed over to the Omani authorities who took them to court. Fu'aad and his comrades were imprisoned in 2012. This marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey through the Omani justice system.

During his imprisonment, Fu'aad was initially held in Salala before being transferred to Muscat, where he served a nine-and-a-half-year sentence.

He utilised his time in prison to pursue education and personal growth. "When we were taken to the main prison in Muscat, we started to make a life there and began studying," he said.

Fu'aad memorised the Quran, a process that took him eight years. This period of reflection and learning was transformative for him.

His time in prison also included writing a book about piracy, which he plans to publish to warn young people about its dangers. "I wrote a book called 'The Hidden Pearl,' which talks about social progress, time management, and the consequences of wrong thinking," he said.

The book is a culmination of his reflections and a tool for educating others.

A businessman with Omani citizenship played a crucial role in facilitating the release of Fu'aad and his fellow prisoners.

After his release, Fu'aad returned to Somalia, where he began raising awareness among the youth about the perils of piracy. He created a WhatsApp group for released pirates, providing them with guidance and support to prevent them from returning to piracy. This group is a vital support network for those trying to reintegrate into society.

"After I was released, I focused on straightening my life and avoiding past mistakes. Then I created a WhatsApp group for released pirates from various places to provide them with awareness and prevent them from returning to piracy," Fu'aad stated.

His efforts aim to break the cycle of crime and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Fu'aad's journey from piracy to advocacy is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact of education and support. His efforts contribute to the ongoing decline in piracy off the coast of Somalia and serve as a beacon of hope for others seeking to change their lives.

According to Fu'aad, by sharing his story and working to prevent others from following in his footsteps, he is making a meaningful contribution to his community and the world.

Fu'aad's transformation from a pirate to an advocate for change is a powerful narrative of redemption and resilience. It shows that with the right support and opportunities, even those who have taken the wrong path can turn their lives around and make a positive impact on society.