By Ebi Kesiena
Kenya has agreed to assist the European Union in prosecuting maritime crime suspects in the region, in response to increasing threats from pirate activity and attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The EU, which maintains a naval force in the Indian Ocean, is alarmed by the insecurity affecting ship traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, which is disrupting international trade.
To address the rising threats in these waters, the European Union is seeking Kenya’s help in prosecuting suspected criminals apprehended in the region.
Henriette Geiger, the EU ambassador to Kenya, emphasized the cooperation between the EU and Kenya in handling suspects captured in regional waters.
“Kenya will finalize a legal agreement with the European Union allowing Operation Atalanta to transfer seized arms, weapons, and traffickers, including those involved in arms and drugs, for prosecution here. Seychelles has already agreed to such an arrangement but cannot manage alone due to its size.” She said.
The EU’s Operation Atalanta, a military initiative in the Horn of Africa, aims to combat piracy at sea.
Geiger noted that the EU naval force lacks the authority to prosecute suspects and cannot detain them without charges for extended periods. Hence, the assistance of countries like Kenya is crucial.
Also, Isaiah Nakoru, head of Kenya’s Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, affirmed Kenya’s readiness to collaborate on ensuring security and the free flow of goods and people.
“We must work together to achieve sustainability and security, addressing any threats to livelihoods and movement through partnerships with all stakeholders,” he said.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Kenya currently holds at least 120 suspected pirates and has convicted 18.
Kenya has faced criticism over its legal system’s ability to prosecute suspected pirates accused of crimes committed far from its territory. However, a 2012 Kenyan court ruling affirmed the country’s jurisdiction to try Somali pirates for attacks in international waters.
Recently, reports of piracy off the Somali coast have raised concerns about a resurgence of Somali piracy. In the early 2010s, Somali pirates hijacked numerous ships, demanding millions in ransom.
Two weeks ago, the EU naval force transferred six suspected pirates, accused of attacking a merchant vessel, from Somalia to the Seychelles for trial. Last Friday, the EU force freed a merchant ship and its 17 crew members.
