The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is a vital link between Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East, sitting at the heart of global trade routes. Its strategic importance is clear: chokepoints like the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb, and Strait of Hormuz see immense traffic, with the latter alone handling over 20 million barrels of crude oil and 130 ships daily.
In 2024, threats to maritime security in this region became more complex. While issues like illicit trafficking, piracy, and illegal fishing persisted, new challenges, especially Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, demanded urgent action. The RMIFC played a key role in gathering and sharing critical maritime data, supporting regional responses.
The region experienced a steady increase in security incidents, rising from 640 in 2017 to 1,145 in 2024. The RMIFC’s work, in partnership with regional and international bodies, helped build better information-sharing networks and strengthen maritime security structures.
Key Threats in 2024
Red Sea Crisis
Violence at sea surged, with 128 of 175 attacks tied to the conflict. Houthi forces initially targeted Israeli-linked vessels but later expanded their attacks to include ships linked to the US and UK following retaliatory airstrikes.
Piracy
The Somali Basin witnessed a concerning revival of piracy in 2024, with 18 reported incidents. Pirates took advantage of gaps left by diverted naval forces, hijacking fishing dhows to use as mother ships for attacks on larger vessels as far as 600 nautical miles from shore.
Maritime Incidents
A total of 512 maritime incidents were recorded in 2024, marking a 20% rise from 426 in 2023. This increase was most evident in cases of pollution and accidents.
Illicit Trafficking
Illicit trafficking, especially of drugs and arms, remains a serious and ongoing threat to regional stability. Although the total amount of drugs seized in 2024 dropped to 42.24 tons, down from over 100 tons in 2021–2023, the number of smuggling incidents stayed high, with 127 cases recorded.
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
Illegal fishing (in 69 cases) continues to harm marine ecosystems, local economies, and food security, and may also contribute to piracy.
Other Threats (Terrorism, Cybercrime)
Maritime terrorism was limited in 2024, with two incidents in Mozambique involving kidnappings and arrests, showing insurgents still move freely by sea in some areas. A single cyberattack on the US Fifth Fleet was recorded, underscoring major vulnerabilities in ports, vessels, and data systems..
Regional Impact and Response
The Red Sea crisis led to longer shipping routes, higher insurance costs, and major economic losses, including for Egypt’s Suez Canal. Piracy and IUU fishing added to regional instability and economic harm, while trafficking fueled criminal networks.
A comprehensive response is essential:
- National actions include enforcement, SAR, MEDEVAC, pollution response, cybersecurity, and adherence to safety practices.
- Regional and international cooperation through RMIFC, RCOC, and joint naval operations enhances collective security.
- Industry adaptation, rerouting, insurance adjustments, and improved safety protocols also play a key role.
Mitigation efforts need to focus on early warning systems, climate adaptation, governance reforms, and initiatives to reduce pollution, poverty, and criminal opportunities.
Maritime security in the WIO remains dynamic and demanding. The Red Sea crisis and piracy resurgence shaped 2024, while persistent threats like IUU fishing and trafficking continued to undermine stability. Addressing these challenges requires sustained cooperation, strong regional architecture, and coordinated action across all levels. Building resilience and sharing information remain critical to protecting this vital maritime domain.
