DCoC states back regional task force to tackle piracy resurgence

The proposed task force would enable participating coastal States to conduct coordinated maritime operations while complementing existing international security efforts, including those of the Combined Maritime Forces, Combined Task Force 151 and EU NAVFOR.

A key element would be the deployment of officers from coastal States aboard participating naval vessels to improve interoperability, maritime domain awareness and coordination across jurisdictions.

Working Group 3 will also develop recommendations for a regional legal framework covering the transfer, investigation and prosecution of suspected pirates. The proposals will be submitted to the Steering Committee and later considered at the 9th DCoCJA High Level Meeting.

The DCoC Chair also reiterated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of seafarers held aboard vessels including MT Honour 25, Sward, MV Eureka and MT Asana, stressing that the safety and welfare of seafarers remain central to regional counter-piracy efforts.

Together, we can build a sustainable regional capability that protects seafarers, safeguards freedom of navigation and reinforces long-term maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden

… said Metse Ralephenya, Republic of South Africa, Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment.

To remind, earlier this week, a cargo vessel was boarded and taken under control by eight armed unauthorised persons approximately 4 nautical miles south of Mareeyo, Somalia, on August 17.