Security officials from Ethiopia, Yemen, Djibouti, and Somalia gathered in Nairobi on August 26, 2026, for a two-day Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue aimed at protecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from growing threats that no single country can manage alone. The event was facilitated by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with support from the European Union, INTERPOL, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are critical maritime corridors linking regional economies to international markets, where disruptions can impact global shipping routes and supply chains. Abdurrahim Muhammad Ali of the Djibouti Maritime Authority highlighted that pirates exploit distractions caused by global maritime forces focusing elsewhere, such as the current attacks on navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, to increase attacks in the Gulf of Aden.

Mostafa Elbanna, UNODC’s Regional Coordinator for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, described the region as facing a complex mix of interconnected challenges. He emphasized the importance of discussions and dialogue among agencies and law enforcement to address these issues and find ways forward for maritime security.

Captain Kibru Mesfin of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority noted that most of Ethiopia’s trade passes through neighboring Djibouti, making secure sea lanes vital to the national economy. He advocated for establishing a National Maritime Information Centre and strengthening regional connections to provide authorities with timely information necessary for maritime security and decision-making.

This dialogue marks a significant step toward enhanced cooperation among Red Sea nations to address piracy, migrant smuggling, and other maritime threats affecting one of the world’s busiest waterways.

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