The Western Indian Ocean Region (WIO) holds substantial geopolitical and economic importance due to its location along vital international sea lanes, facilitating maritime trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Approximately 80% of the world's seaborne oil trade transits through these waters, underscoring their global relevance.1 Key chokepoints such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait enhance this strategic importance. However, the region faces escalating maritime threats, including kinetic attacks on shipping, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, illicit trafficking, piracy, and terrorism.2 These challenges compromise economic stability and pose broader threats to regional and global security.

Kinetic attacks in the Red Sea, often attributed to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, have significantly threatened global maritime trade. Armed groups such as the Houthis have targeted commercial vessels with missiles and drones, endangering crew safety and destabilizing global energy supplies.3 These incidents have increased shipping insurance premiums and triggered route deviations, inflating global trade costs.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF)
IUU fishing severely affects economic and ecological systems in the WIO. Coastal African states—including Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Mozambique—report annual losses in the billions due to illegal fishing practices.4 These activities deplete marine stocks, disrupt food security, and exacerbate unemployment and migration pressures. The environmental degradation caused by IUUF also threatens long-term sustainability of the blue economy.5

Illicit Trafficking
The WIO is a conduit for various forms of illicit trafficking, including narcotics, weapons, human smuggling, and wildlife trafficking. The region's porous maritime borders allow transnational criminal networks to flourish, undermining governance and fueling corruption.6 Illicit trafficking also enables the financing of insurgencies and extremist movements, further destabilizing coastal and inland regions.7

Terrorism and Piracy
Although Somali piracy has declined since its 2011 peak, emerging incidents suggest a possible resurgence.8 Moreover, terrorist groups have reportedly leveraged maritime spaces for logistical support, recruitment, and attacks—especially in regions around Lamu and the Gulf of Aden.9 The fusion of terrorism and piracy heightens risk for both commercial vessels and regional maritime governance.

Comparative Salience and Extended Impact
Kinetic attacks and IUU fishing are particularly impactful due to their economic consequences and global spillover effects. Strategic chokepoints such as the Bab el-Mandeb amplify the risks of kinetic threats, while IUUF contributes directly to ecosystem collapse, economic displacement, and regional instability.10 These phenomena also contribute to migration crises, fuel maritime militarization, and alter trade patterns—creating ripple effects in Europe, Asia, and beyond.11

Strategic Response and Mitigation Approaches

Direct Responses
IUU fishing can be curtailed through capacity-building, improved monitoring, and the use of satellite surveillance technology. Strengthening legal frameworks and investing in regional fisheries governance are also critical steps.12

Multilateral Approaches
Due to their cross-border nature, threats like piracy and terrorism necessitate collective action. Regional cooperation through the Djibouti Code of Conduct and global coalitions like the Combined Maritime Forces has improved information sharing and joint patrol capabilities.13 Diplomatic solutions addressing political drivers of conflict—especially in Yemen and Somalia—are equally crucial.

Threat Mitigation
Illicit trafficking is best addressed through enhanced maritime domain awareness, harmonized regional legislation, and anti-corruption initiatives. Developmental interventions targeting root causes—such as poverty, unemployment, and institutional weakness—are essential for long-term security.14

Conclusion
The Western Indian Ocean Region remains a critical hub for international trade, energy transport, and ecological resources. Yet it faces multifaceted maritime security threats that demand urgent and coordinated responses. A balanced strategy combining direct enforcement, multilateral diplomacy, and developmental initiatives is essential. Regional stakeholders, supported by international partners, must adopt an integrated approach to secure the blue economy, foster peace, and promote sustainable development across the WIO.
Source: Cimsec