Kenya Joins Regional Taskforce to Combat Piracy in Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden

Kenya, alongside other signatory states of the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC), has committed to forming a combined taskforce aimed at curbing the recent increase in piracy and armed robbery in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.

The announcement came from DCoC Chairperson Metse Ralephenya, who highlighted that the taskforce will enhance regional operational cooperation to safeguard seafarers and shipping activities.

Addressing a Renewed Threat

Despite progress made over the last decade, piracy incidents have resurged, posing significant risks to maritime security. The taskforce initiative is a collective response to these challenges, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and stronger regional ownership.

Ralephenya expressed grave concern over the ongoing captivity of crew members aboard vessels such as MT HONOUR 25, SWARD, MV EUREKA, and MT ASANA, urging for their immediate and unconditional release.

Regional and International Collaboration

The DCoC, established in 2019 under the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), unites countries bordering the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden to combat maritime crimes. The new taskforce will operate under Working Group 3 on Operational Coordination and Cooperation at Sea.

The Steering Committee also noted advances in the Gulf of Guinea under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, where a similar combined maritime taskforce has been operationalized.

The taskforce is designed to complement existing international maritime security efforts, including those by Combined Maritime Forces, Combined Task Force 151, EU NAVFOR, and other naval operations.

Commitment to Sustainable Maritime Security

• The signatory states reaffirm their dedication to the Djibouti Code of Conduct and the Jeddah Amendment as frameworks for regional maritime security cooperation.
• International partners and development agencies are encouraged to support the initiative to build sustainable regional capabilities.
• The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) continues to back the efforts within the DCoC, while recognizing that operational maritime security remains a sovereign responsibility.

Ralephenya concluded that through united action, the region can ensure the protection of seafarers, uphold freedom of navigation, and reinforce long-term maritime security in this strategic corridor.