The Challenges of Piracy in Africa’s Maritime Zones

Abstract

Africa, like the rest of the world, has many maritime resources which could contribute to its development. Unfortunately, these resources are illegally plundered by others. At the same time, free trade and movement in the African waters have been hampered by phenomena such as piracy and organised crime. Indeed, Africa is the subject of renewed strategic focus from the international community over the issue of increased piracy in her waters. The state of the maritime security in Africa is currently an important agenda to the rest of the world. This article is concerned with the challenges of piracy off the Somali coast and in other African waters. Finally, the article identifi es some of the causes and consequences of piracy and proposes some suggestions on how to improve African sea power and the implications for African continental integration