European Union Ambassador Henriette Geiger gave a press statement at the end of bilateral training between European Naval Force, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Coast Guard Service on May 23, 2024. During the training, it was discussed how the United States and the European Union are teaming up to combat the growing presence of militant groups on the high seas. Kenya has been selected as the second country, following Seychelles, to prosecute suspects involved in maritime crimes. Concerns have been raised by top economic nations regarding the disruption of maritime trade in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis and the resurgence of piracy in Somalia. The European Union Naval Force (EU Navfor) stated that Kenya will be supporting Seychelles in handling suspects connected to maritime crimes due to the rising number of incidents being reported. Ambassador Henriette Geiger emphasized the importance of maritime security as trade disruptions have become a growing issue. The EU is committed to working with various governments to address insecurities in the waters. During the marine training closure in Mombasa, Ms. Geiger announced that EU Navfor will increase its presence in areas where illicit activities like piracy, narcotics, and human trafficking are reported. She also mentioned the threat posed by Somali piracy and the challenges presented by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Seychelles has been instrumental in prosecuting suspects arrested at sea, and now Kenya will have a similar legal agreement with the EU for the trial of suspected pirates. The EU Navfor’s Operation Atalanta has already handed over six suspected pirates to Seychelles authorities for trial. Despite suppression efforts, concerns remain about a resurgence of Somali piracy. As EU Navfor continues its operations, it is crucial to address maritime crimes like piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing. Deputy commander of civil-military engagement at US Africa Command, Ambassador Robert Scott, recently visited Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles to discuss maritime security challenges faced by these countries. He emphasized the impact of piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other security challenges on the economies of African coastal nations. Mr. Scott was able to witness the efforts being made by nations in the West Indian Ocean region to counter these challenges during his visits to strategic centers. The visit demonstrated US Africa Command’s strategy to utilize diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration to address conflict and extremism in Africa. US Africa Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany, plays a crucial role in overseeing military operations in the continent with a focus on diplomacy and development.
