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sistance from the better equipped Yemeni Navy. Kenya recently did much to secure its coast-
line and harbours. Port security in Mombassa was substantially improved. The Kenya Ports
Authority and the Customs and Excise Department investment much into improving ac-
cess control and physical security; acquiring better electronic surveillance systems, scanning
equipment; and maintaining a greater police and security presence. The USA also donated
security equipment and six speedboats to Kenyan Navy, and provided training assistance. 53
though international involvement and regional cooperation might seem like an obvious
response, political consent is critical. Politicians are cautious as military actions could pro-
duce unwanted political repercussions, be expensive or lead to casualties. However, forces
operating within the maritime domain must receive a clear mandate from policymakers, un-
derstand the limitations within which they have to operate and the type of operation, as their
tasks may range from monitoring to conventional high intensity operations (from peace-
keeping to peace enforcement). The Somalia scenario is intricate, as peace support forces
54
have to control the situation with a delicate mix of persuasion and coercion. Clear strategic
objectives and political commitment is essential as mere military presence is not enough.
Politicians seem to agree that the maritime security situation must be urgently addressed, so,
the emphasis must now be on the “how”.

concLusion
In strategic, economic and humanitarian terms maritime security is important to Africa. It
nowhere more evident then in Somalia, as the lack of stability ashore has impacted negatively
on the situation at sea. To improve the maritime security situation a higher awareness of the
realities of the situation, improved cooperation between role-players and enhanced capacities
to limit maritime threats amongst states involved is necessary. Above all, political commit-
ment, clear mandates and the wherewithal to perform the required tasks are necessary.
An enhanced integrated approach to maritime security in the region is necessary, despite
financial and material limitations. Navies and civilian role-players involved should develop
an integrated approach that connects all aspects and they must think, plan and work together.
In fact, what is necessary for the region is an integrated “ocean policy”, involving national,
regional and international role players. The issue now is, to what extent are decision makers
prepared to get involved, how much effort are they prepared to commit and what would the
mandate to participating forces be?

53 ‘US donates boats to secure Kenya’s Coastline’, The Standard, 9 october 2006 and ‘Kenya: Country Mo-
ves to Tighten Security at Mombassa’, allAfrica.com, 2 October 2007, in http://www.allAfrica.com:Kenya.
54 G. till, Seapower, pp.239-40.