Kenya to prosecute pirates as US, EU boost maritime security efforts

The United States and the European Union (EU) have ramped up efforts to combat the growing threat of militant groups on the high seas.

Kenya has been designated as the second country, after the Seychelles, to prosecute suspects of maritime crimes, reflecting a significant step in addressing the security challenges in the region.

This comes after top economies expressed concerns over the disruption of maritime trade in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels and the resurgence of Somali piracy, as these illegal activities have significantly impacted global trade routes, prompting a coordinated international response.

The European Union Naval Force (EU Navfor) has confirmed Kenya's new role in handling maritime crime suspects, emphasising the increasing number of reported cases.

Henriette Geiger, the EU Ambassador to Kenya, highlighted the gravity of maritime security issues, noting that they have led to substantial trade disruptions.

"The EU will work with different governments to suppress insecurity in the waters," Geiger said on Thursday at the close of the Piracy Impact Conference in Mombasa. The marine training was between Kenyan and EU forces and involved the Kenya Navy and the Kenya Coast Guard Service.

Participants pose for a picture during the Piracy Impact Workshop in Mombasa on May 23, 2024. (Photo: X/UNODC)

Geiger, accompanied by Spanish Ambassador Christina Diaz and Italian Ambassador Roberto Natali, emphasised the EU Navfor's commitment to extending its presence to areas plagued by piracy, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and other maritime crimes.

"EU Navfor Somalia was able to suppress piracy in previous years, but with the current operation Atalanta, the forces will work with different governments to address emerging piracy and the illegal group at the Suez Canal," she added.

The Seychelles have been pivotal in prosecuting maritime crime suspects, and Kenya's involvement marks a significant expansion of the EU's legal framework to tackle piracy.

“Seychelles has played a key role in handling suspects arrested in the waters, and now Kenya will be another country with which the EU has entered into a legal agreement to allow for the trial of suspected pirates arrested by warships,” said Geiger.

On May 14, EU Navfor's Operation Atalanta highlighted the urgency of these efforts by handing over six suspected Somali pirates to Seychelles authorities. These suspects were involved in the piracy attack on the Marshall Islands-flagged Merchant Vessel Chrystal Arctic on May 10.

Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino, the commanding officer of the ship, reaffirmed Atalanta's dedication to supporting regional prosecutions.

"Atalanta has a legal finish with countries within their territories, which guarantees the entire process within piracy events, from deterrence to arrest, detention, and prosecution in accordance with international law," stated Saladino.

Despite significant progress, piracy remains a concern. Criminal networks have diversified their activities, engaging in the illicit trade of weapons and human trafficking.

In parallel, Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement at US Africa Command, visited Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles to discuss regional maritime security efforts.

“Piracy, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, trafficking, and other maritime security challenges severely impact the economies of African coastal nations,” said Scott.