African Maritime Forces Week
By Captain Harifidy A. Alex Ralaiarivony, Director of Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre (RMIFC)
Introduction: The Strategic Significance and Risk Panorama of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Area
The WIO area serves as an important gateway linking Asia, the Pacific, and the Center East, occupying a central place on the planet’s financial and strategic stability. This criticality is underscored by the numerous maritime site visitors transiting via or working inside the area, together with main routes and chokepoints just like the Crimson Sea, Bab-El-Mandeb Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz. This latter alone sees the passage of 20.9 million barrels of crude oil and 130 ships day by day, highlighting the area’s significance for international vitality exports.1
The yr 2024 demonstrated a notable intensification within the complexity and variety of threats to maritime safety on this important space. Whereas conventional issues similar to illicit trafficking (medication, arms, human beings) and unlawful fishing persist, new challenges, notably the Houthi assaults within the Crimson Sea and a re-emergence of maritime piracy, demanded vital consideration. The RMIFC, via its basic missions of amassing and disseminating vital maritime data, actively participated in regional operations to answer these challenges.
The general variety of maritime safety occasions recorded inside the RMIFC’s space of curiosity has proven a gentle improve over the previous eight years, from 640 occasions in 2017 to 1145 occasions in 2024.2
Key components contributing to the RMIFC’s potential to handle these occasions embody the growth of its data trade processes and efforts to construct and preserve data sharing networks. The regional maritime safety structure, comprising regional (RMIFC and Regional Centre for Operational Co-ordination [RCOC]) and nationwide facilities and liaison officers, interacts with worldwide communities and advantages from technical help and cooperation. Constructing on the inspiration of the Program for the Promotion of Maritime Safety (MASE) (2010-2023), which enhanced maritime safety and created an enabling atmosphere for financial growth, the present EU-funded Protected Seas Africa Program (SSA) (signed July 2024) goals to consolidate and develop these achievements by strengthening the regional structure, capacities of data facilities, operational coordination, and nationwide facilities.3 The RMIFC’s principal aims embody processing maritime data to create Maritime Situational Consciousness and a Complete Regional Maritime Image, supporting regional maritime operations, serving as an data sharing platform, selling cooperation, and contributing to experiences and research.
Salient Threats in 2024
Whereas all maritime safety threats within the Jap and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean (ESA-IO) area warrant consideration, some demonstrated specific salience in 2024.
Maritime Extension of Conflicts (Crimson Sea Disaster)
This class noticed essentially the most vital improve in 2024, accounting for 128 out of 175 whole acts of violence at sea, in comparison with solely 69 incidents of maritime violence in 2023.4 The disaster stemmed from Houthi assaults beginning in November 2023. These assaults initially focused Israeli-linked vessels however expanded to incorporate vessels of US and UK curiosity following airstrikes towards the Houthis, and ultimately, different vessels with out clear affiliation. The primary modes of motion recognized embody pretending to be Yemeni authorities, utilizing unmanned aerial autos (UAVs or drones), manned skiffs with weapons, and anti-ship missiles (terminal guided and ballistic). Whereas the effectiveness of those strategies was estimated to be lower than 10%, they precipitated critical penalties, together with fatalities and extreme harm to vessels. This maritime extension of the battle is undeniably essentially the most salient new kinetic menace attributable to its direct affect on worldwide transport and the sheer quantity of incidents recorded on this class.
Determine 1: Evolution of Violent Acts at Sea5
Piracy
Doubtlessly linked to the unrest brought on by the Houthi assaults and the next reorientation of naval sources, piracy confirmed a regarding resurgence in 2024. Whereas the phenomenon stays under the endemic ranges of 2008-2013, 18 incidents categorised as piracy had been recorded in 2024, a pointy improve in comparison with earlier years, and a notable rise since late 2023. This resurgence, notably within the Somali Basin, reintroduces a menace that had been strongly contained for years, opening a window of alternative for pirate networks. The pirates’ technique entails hijacking fishing dhows to make use of as mom ships to assault bigger vessels as much as 600 nautical miles or extra off the coast. The report notes that the majority pirated vessels didn’t have Personal Armed Safety Groups (PAST).
Maritime Incidents
Whereas not inherently felony, the numerous improve in maritime incidents in 2024 highlights a vital security and safety problem. A complete of 512 maritime incident occasions had been recorded, a 20% improve in comparison with 426 in 2023.6 This surge was notably notable within the sub-categories associated to air pollution and accidents. Elevated site visitors, probably as a result of re-routing across the Cape of Good Hope, and using vessels in poor situation navigating unhealthy climate, are recognized as principal components contributing to incidents and lack of life. Suspicious Exercise Reporting (SAR) and Medical Analysis (MEDEVAC) operations additionally noticed a substantial improve (8% and 16% respectively), indicating elevated calls for on response capabilities. The potential for main oil spills, such because the menace posed by the assault on MV Sounion, stays a high-risk incident inside this class.
Illicit Trafficking
Illicit trafficking, notably of medication and arms, continues to pose a big and protracted problem to regional stability.7 Whereas the full amount of medication seized (42.24 tons) was considerably decrease in 2024 in comparison with the previous years (over 100 tons in 2021-2023), the variety of drug smuggling incidents (127) stays excessive.8 This paradox is partly attributed to the Crimson Sea disaster diverting naval sources historically engaged in counter-narcotics missions. The northern Indian Ocean is the first space for seizures, linked to proximity to manufacturing areas, although transshipments happen alongside routes in the direction of the East African coast. Six circumstances of weapon and drone trafficking had been documented, together with arms destined for Houthi rebels.
Determine 2: Amount of Medicine Seized, 2017 – 20249
Unlawful, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
IUU fishing is acknowledged as a serious and ongoing problem that threatens marine ecosystems, the blue financial system, meals safety, and might contribute to social battle and gas felony networks. The RMIFC recorded 69 incidents associated to IUU fishing in 2024.10 Whereas the full quantity is decrease than trafficking incidents, the persistent nature and widespread environmental and financial impacts make it extremely salient, notably for coastal African states depending on marine sources. IUU fishing additionally could contribute to the resurgence of piracy.
Different Threats (Terrorism, Cybercrime)
Maritime terrorism incidents recorded in 2024 had been few (2 occasions in Mozambique) however concerned kidnappings and arrests of suspected terrorists close to coastal areas, indicating insurgents preserve freedom of motion by boat in sure areas. Maritime cybercrime noticed just one recorded occasion (hacking of the US Fifth Fleet), however the report highlights vital potential vulnerabilities in ports, vessels, and information methods, with potential for main disruption and monetary loss.
Impacts Extending into Africa and Past
The impacts of those maritime safety threats lengthen considerably into African coastal states and have broader worldwide penalties. Essentially the most direct and widespread financial affect in 2024 stemmed from the Crimson Sea disaster. The reorientation of transport flows in the direction of the Cape of Good Hope disrupted standard routes. This has resulted in a really sharp improve in insurance coverage premiums, a lengthening of sea routes by nearly 10 days (lowering vessel and container availability), and a collapse in revenues for Egypt from the Suez Canal transit.11 The maritime sector has been pressured to reorganize completely, with new alliances and logistics hubs rising, suggesting a return to earlier site visitors ranges just isn’t anticipated quickly. Piracy resurgence additionally will increase prices for safety, insurance coverage, and potential ransom funds.12 IUU fishing losses, estimated at thousands and thousands of {dollars} per yr, hurt native economies and forestall job creation within the blue financial system.13 Illicit trafficking, notably of medication and arms, fuels terrorist and felony networks and undermines regional stability. Arms trafficking linked to battle zones additional destabilizes the area, whereas ransom cash from piracy can affect native politics and improve felony actions. Weak governance and lawlessness in flip can allow felony teams, together with pirates, to realize management over establishments. Damage, lack of life, and environmental degradation outcome from all of those threats.
Response Methods: Direct, Multilateral, and Mitigation
Successfully addressing these numerous threats requires a complete strategy involving actions at nationwide, regional, and worldwide ranges. Nationwide governments and their maritime companies play a vital function in responding on to threats inside their jurisdiction or involving their flagged vessels via legislation enforcement and patrols and strengthening legal guidelines and laws. Nationwide maritime companies conduct SAR and MEDEVAC operations, straight saving lives at sea. Anti-pollution groups reply to spills. Campaigns to tell native communities about dangers and have interaction them in conservation are direct native actions. Implementing strong cybersecurity methods, coaching employees, and creating incident response plans are direct actions for transport firms and ports. Service provider vessels can adhere to Finest Administration Practices (BMP) (model 5 beneficial for piracy) and make use of Personal Armed Safety Groups (PAST).14
Going past nationwide responses, given the transnational nature of most maritime threats, multilateral cooperation is vital to profitable mitigation. The Regional Maritime Safety Structure within the WIO area is constructed on this precept. The Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre (RMIFC) is central to the regional mechanism, enabling data trade and coordination. Its potential to fuse information from numerous sources is essential to constructing maritime situational consciousness for each nationwide and worldwide companies. The European Union’s SafeSeas Africa (SSA) program particularly helps these facilities.15 Applications like MASE and SSA intention to strengthen the technical, materials, and human capacities of regional and nationwide facilities. Workshops and Tabletop workouts improve collaboration and knowledge sharing frameworks.16
RCOC and worldwide companions collaborate on joint operations concentrating on particular threats.17 Multinational forces just like the Mixed Maritime Drive (CMF) and the Mixed Job Drive (CTF) 150 that operates beneath it, conduct counter-narcotics operations. EUNAVFOR operations (ATALANTA, ASPIDES) reply to piracy and the Crimson Sea disaster.18
Personal trade performs a job as nicely. Delivery pursuits have re-routed site visitors across the Cape of Good Hope to mitigate the chance within the Crimson Sea, although this isn’t with out its personal set of challenges. The everlasting reorganization of the maritime trade with new alliances and logistics hubs is a type of long-term adaptation. Elevated insurance coverage premiums are a market-based mitigation of monetary threat. Adherence to security laws and BMP5 mitigates the chance of incidents and piracy.
Placing all these collectively, strengthening early warning methods and local weather change adaptation mitigate the affect of pure occasions, which may exacerbate different vulnerabilities. Bettering data sharing and coordination of operations mitigates the potential for main maritime disasters, even when incidents happen. Whereas complicated, addressing underlying components similar to poverty, lawlessness, and IUU fishing (by strengthening governance, selling sustainable practices, creating the blue financial system) might help mitigate the circumstances that gas piracy and trafficking. Efforts to cut back the demand for unlawful wildlife merchandise additionally contribute to mitigation. Growing and strengthening oil spill contingency plans (regional and nationwide) and having skilled response groups in place are key to mitigating the environmental harm from air pollution incidents. Waste discount initiatives and clean-up campaigns mitigate the affect of marine litter on ecosystems like coral reefs.
Conclusion
The maritime safety panorama within the WIO area is dynamic and more and more difficult. The RMIFC Exercise Report 2024 clearly illustrates that whereas persistent threats like IUU fishing and illicit trafficking stay vital, the resurgence of piracy and, notably, the maritime extension of regional conflicts within the Crimson Sea launched vital new dimensions in 2024. These threats have profound and far-reaching impacts, affecting financial stability, human security, environmental well being, and regional governance throughout Africa and past. The Crimson Sea disaster dominated by way of direct kinetic assaults and speedy international financial disruption in 2024, whereas IUU fishing and illicit trafficking symbolize high-volume, persistent challenges that gas felony networks and undermine long-term sustainability. The rise in maritime incidents highlights the rising pressures on security and response capabilities in busy waterways, exacerbated by re-routing.
Responding successfully requires a multi-pronged strategy. Direct actions by nationwide forces and ship operators are important for speedy response and deterrence. Nevertheless, the transnational nature of those threats mandates strong multilateral cooperation via established Regional Maritime Safety Structure mechanisms just like the RMIFC and RCOC, supported by worldwide companions and joint operations. Moreover, methods centered on mitigation are essential to handle the broader penalties of those threats, from financial disruption and air pollution to the underlying circumstances that allow felony exercise.
Future coverage actions ought to prioritize sustaining and enhancing the regional maritime safety structure, fostering data sharing and coordination, constructing nationwide capacities, and making certain sources can be found to handle each persistent challenges and rising crises. Continued vigilance and collaborative motion, knowledgeable by well timed and complete information from facilities just like the RMIFC, are paramount to safeguarding the important maritime area of the WIO area for the advantage of all stakeholders.
Captain Harifidy A. Alex Ralaiarivony is the director of the Regional Maritime Data Fusion Middle in Antanarivo, Madagascar. He’s the previous Head of Worldwide Relations within the Madagascar Ministry of Defence. Captain Ralaiarivony holds a Grasp 2 (M2) in Technique, Protection, Safety and Battle and Catastrophe Administration from the Middle for Analysis and Political and Strategic Research – College of Yaoundé II (Centre de Recherche et d’Etudes Politiques et Stratégiques -Université de Yaoundé II); earned a Secondary Army Educating Certificates from the Worldwide Increased Battle Faculty of Yaoundé (Ecole Superieure Internationale de Guerre de Yaoundé), and a Naval Increased Research Diploma from the French Naval Academy. He’s at the moment pursuing a level in worldwide legislation, worldwide economics, and politics on the Middle for Diplomatic and Strategic Research in Madagascar.
Endnotes
1. “United States Power Data Administration (EIA), “The Strait of Hormuz is the World’s Most Essential Oil Transit Chokepoint,” November 21, 2023. id=61002
2. Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre, Annual Report 2024.
3. EIA, “The Strait of Hormuz,” 2023.
4. Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre, Annual Report 2024.
5. Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre, Annual Report 2024.
6. Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre, Annual Report 2024.
7. “Indian Navy retakes service provider ship from hijackers within the Arabian Sea.” USNI Information, January 7, 2024. https://information.usni.org/2024/01/07/indian-navy-retakes-merchant-ship-from-armed-attackers-in-the-arabian-sea
8. Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre, Annual Report 2024.
9. Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre, Annual Report 2024.
10. Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre, Annual Report 2024.
11. “Regional Challenges Value Egypt round $7 billion in Suez Canal Revenues,” December 26, 2024, Reuters,
12. Abdiqani Hassani, “Somali Pirates say Hijacked Ship MV Abdullah Launched after $5 million Ransom was Paid,” Reuters, April 14, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somali-pirates-say-they-hijacked-ship-mv-abdullah-released-after-5-million-2024-04-14.
13. Dan Collyns, “Unlawful Fishing Spurs Billions in Losses for Growing International locations, Examine Says,” The Guardian, October 26, 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/atmosphere/2022/oct/26/illegal-fishing-billions-losses-developing-countries.
14. Baltic and Worldwide Maritime Council, Worldwide Chamber of Delivery, Worldwide Group of P&I Golf equipment, Intertanko, and Oil Corporations Worldwide Marine Discussion board, BMP5: Finest Administration Practices to Deter Piracy and Improve Maritime Safety within the Crimson Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea (Maritime World Safety, 2018), https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/media/okxlfxae/bmp5-low_res.pdf.
15. Sedrick Nicette, “Seychelles and IOC International locations Companion with EU for Protected Seas Africa Programme,” Seychelles Information Company, July 4, 2024,
16. United Nations Workplace on Medicine and Crime, “RECOPORT ESA 25: A Strategic Train to Strengthen Port Safety in Jap Africa and the Indian Ocean,” February 3, 2025,
17. Indian Ocean Fee, “Operation Levante 2: A Regional Maritime Safety Operation,” August 23, 2024,
18. Nicette, “Seychelles and IOC International locations Companion.”
References
Baltic and Worldwide Maritime Council, Worldwide Chamber of Delivery, Worldwide Group of P & I Golf equipment, Intertanko, and Oil Corporations Worldwide Marine Discussion board, BMP5: Finest Administration Practices to Deter Piracy and Improve Maritime Safety within the Crimson Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea (Maritime World Safety, 2018), https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/media/okxlfxae/bmp5-low_res.pdf
Collyns, Dan. “Unlawful Fishing Spurs Billions in Losses for Growing International locations, Examine Says,” The Guardian, October 26, 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/atmosphere/2022/oct/26/illegal-fishing-billions-losses-developing-countries
European Union Naval Drive ATALANTA. “Service provider Vessel Basilisk Liberated,” Could 24, 2024. https://eunavfor.eu/information/merchant-vessel-basilisk-liberated
Hassani, Abdiqani. “Somali Pirates say Hijacked Ship MV Abdullah Launched after $5 million Ransom was Paid.” Reuters, April 14, 2024. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/somali-pirates-say-they-hijacked-ship-mv-abdullah-released-after-5-million-2024-04-14/
“Indian Navy retakes service provider ship from hijackers within the Arabian Sea.” USNI Information, January 7, 2024. https://information.usni.org/2024/01/07/indian-navy-retakes-merchant-ship-from-armed-attackers-in-the-arabian-sea
Indian Ocean Fee. “Operation Levante 2: A Regional Maritime Safety Operation,” August 23, 2024.
“Madagascar: Deux Bateaux de Migrants Somaliens Retrouvés à la Dérive près de Nosy Be.” RFI, November 24, 2024. https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20241124-madagascar-deux-bateaux-de-migrants-somaliens-retrouvpercentC3percentA9s-%C3percentA0-la-dpercentC3percentA9rive-prpercentC3percentA8s-de-nosy-be
Menear, Harry. “The Carbon Value of Disruption within the Suez and Panama Canals.” Provide Chain Technique, April 5, 2024. https://supplychainstrategy.media/weblog/2024/04/05/the-carbon-cost-of-disruption-in-the-suez-and-panama-canals/
Nicette, Sedrick. “Seychelles and IOC International locations Companion with EU for SafeSeas Africa Programme.” Seychelles Information Company, July 5, 2024. +and+IOC+nations+associate+with+EU+for+Protected+Seas+Africa+programme
“Regional Challenges Value Egypt round $7 billion in Suez Canal Revenues.” Reuters, December 26, 2024. ?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Regional Maritime Data Fusion Centre. Annual Report 2024.
United Nations Workplace on Medicine and Crime. (2025, February 3). “RECOPORT ESA 25: A Strategic Train to Strengthen Port Safety in Jap Africa and the Indian Ocean,” February 3, 2025.
United States Power Data Administration (EIA), “The Strait of Hormuz is the World’s Most Essential Oil Transit Chokepoint,” November 21, 2023. id=61002
Featured Picture: SOMALIA (Oct. 3, 2008) The crew of the service provider vessel MV Faina stands on the deck after a U.S. Navy request to test on their well being and welfare. (U.S. Navy picture by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky)
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