Sea Piracy and Maritime Security: The Problem of Foreign Naval Intervention in the Suppression of Piracy Off the Horn of Africa

Abstract

Waters off the Horn of Africa (HoA) are strategic for global commerce and international security. Since 2005 this vital waterway has remained the world’s most dangerous hotspot of piracy, prompting states whose economic and security interests are particularly being undermined by spiralling piracy in the region has deployed their navies to help enhance maritime security. This article conceptualizes the relationship between sea piracy and maritime security in relation to foreign naval intervention, highlights the continuance and trend of pirate incidence off the HoA, discusses the emerging risks associated with the intervention of foreign navies in the fight against piracy, and proffers some measures that could contributed to suppressing piracy in the region. It contends that achieving sustainable maritime security in Africa demands that the root causes of piracy in Africa is effectively tackled, rather than reacting to the symptom of a deeper malaise.