Red Sea nations enhance maritime security and cooperation

Security officials from Ethiopia, Yemen, Djibouti, and Somalia recently met in Nairobi for the Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue to address growing threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Facilitated by the UNODC with support from the European Union, INTERPOL, and the IMO, the dialogue focused on strengthening information-sharing and regional cooperation to protect vital shipping corridors.

Participants noted that maritime security is under pressure due to global distractions. Officials highlighted that attacks on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have impacted the Gulf of Aden, providing opportunities for piracy to increase while international maritime forces are occupied elsewhere.

Parallel to these security concerns, Ethiopia continues to seek more direct and diversified maritime access. As a landlocked nation of over 130 million people, Ethiopia currently relies on Djibouti for more than 90 percent of its foreign trade. The country is pursuing diplomatic frameworks to establish reliable sea connections to reduce trade costs and improve economic competitiveness without triggering regional confrontation.