Efforts to strengthen maritime security and enhance regional stability were the central themes of the 7th high-level meeting addressing the Jeddah Amendment to the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC). The event, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 28 to 30 November, concentrated on safeguarding critical maritime zones in the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
The DCoC, established in 2009, initially targeted piracy and armed robbery at sea but expanded in 2017 to include human trafficking, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes under the Jeddah Amendment. This framework now includes 20 participating nations from East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and beyond, united in their commitment to combating maritime threats.
A prominent agenda item was the development of a regional maritime security strategy (RMSS) to tackle emerging issues like unregulated fishing and human trafficking. Kenya actively advocated for creating national maritime information-sharing centres (NMISCs) and stressed the need for capacity-building initiatives to enhance operational coordination and maritime awareness.
Participants reviewed security developments in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, addressing threats such as terrorism, environmental hazards, and illicit activities. Kenya reaffirmed its dedication to regional maritime security, with Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa leading efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade as part of its broader strategy against transnational crimes.
For the first time, the European Union (EU) attended the meeting as an observer, or ‘Friend,’ highlighting its commitment to supporting the region’s maritime security efforts. The EU outlined its initiatives, including operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES, and announced a €4 million project to address maritime threats.
Regional collaboration and robust maritime security architecture remain critical to ensuring safe navigation, protecting ecosystems, and fostering economic growth in these vital waterways.
