Nairobi concludes EU maritime security week with calls for increased cooperation among partners

A week-long EU Maritime Security Week held in Nairobi concluded on Friday with a clear roadmap for future cooperation against piracy and maritime crime across Africa's coastal regions.

According to a joint communique from the forum, the week-long engagements sought to promote a harmonised, coherent approach that strengthens coordination among EU programmes, implementing partners, and beneficiary states.

"Joint operations at sea may grab the spotlight, but the real foundation of success is built long before vessels ever leave ports: a steady flow of information exchange between partners, training of officials responsible for state action at sea and port security, and provision of equipment and software that make coordinated actions possible," the communique said.

"It continues through the creation of joint procedures manuals and intervention protocols, the push for inter-agency interoperability and coordination, the strengthening of legal frameworks, and the creation of legal frameworks, the establishment of national maritime security committees and centres, and beyond," the communique added.

The event, organised by the EU, the Republic of Kenya, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and INTERPOL, gathered 112 delegates from 16 countries and 12 regional and international organisations.

The Commander, Kenya Navy Fleet, Brigadier Mohammed Shemote, said the forum also discussed the progress of the maritime law enforcement capabilities with INTERPOL, legal finish and judicial strengthening with UNODC, national and regional capacity development with the IOC, and inter-agency coordination with IMO.

"Our shared maritime space binds our economies, our security, and our futures. The achievements this week remind us that cooperation is not optional; it is the only path to safe, secure, and prosperous seas," he said on behalf of Defence CS Soipan Tuya as the meeting closed in Nairobi.

The participants also discussed ongoing EU maritime security initiatives and priorities and ensured harmonisation of approaches and synergies of action.

The forum further showcased the positive results achieved by the partner countries with the support of the Red Sea Programme, the Safe Seas Programme and the Port Security and Safety of Navigation programme that included more than a dozen maritime operations organised, seizures of 2,4 tonnes of drugs and illicit cargo (9,9 million cigarettes, 17 stolen vehicles, 30t of kratom), 36 human traffickers and criminals apprehended, tens of fishermen and sailors in distress rescued, and the organisation of regional simulation exercises to test and strengthen response capabilities.

"The week concluded with clear momentum and tangible results. It deepened coordination with and among regional partners and cemented a shared EU-Africa vision for maritime security. The success of this first edition of the EU Maritime Security week underscores how collective commitment can drive real progress toward safer and more resilient seas," the communique added.

The harmonised approach to maritime security will benefit the nations across the Red Sea, East Africa, Southern Africa and Western Indian Ocean with the support of the European Union

The document noted that, given the complexity of the issues, the EU is working with national and international partners to implement and coordinate the programmes it funds for the benefit of and in consultation with the countries of the three regions.

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