Barran Press
An international conference focused on rebuilding and developing Yemen's Coast Guard took place in Brussels on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. The event was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) - Global Maritime Crime Programme.
The conference, attended by key figures including Yemen's Coast Guard Chief of Staff, Major General Khalid Ali Al-Qamli, the Head of Customs, Abdulhakim Al-Qabati, and Yemen's Ambassador to Belgium, Mohammed Mustafa, addressed critical issues related to strengthening Yemen's maritime security capabilities.
Discussions centered around a comprehensive assessment of the current state of Yemen's Coast Guard, including its infrastructure, training, and operational capacity. Participants also explored challenges and future plans, focusing on the necessary resources and support for the coming years. The UNODC's Global Maritime Crime Programme presented its ongoing work and future initiatives, emphasizing the importance of donor support.
The conference aimed to bolster the infrastructure and capabilities of various government agencies operating in the ports and entry points of Aden, including the Coast Guard, Customs, the Aden Gulf Ports Authority, and the General Authority for Maritime Affairs.
The event was attended by the head of the Global Maritime Crime Programme, representatives from donor nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, as well as UNODC officials involved in the Global Maritime Crime Programme in Yemen and Belgium.
During the conference, the Yemeni delegation stressed the importance of expanding and strengthening the UNODC's program and securing increased donor support to enhance maritime security and the efficiency of personnel operating at Yemen's land and sea border crossings. They highlighted Yemen's strategic location and its importance for regional security, stability, and the protection of international shipping lanes.
The conference comes amidst ongoing attacks by the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden using missiles and drones since last November.
These attacks have resulted in increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the significantly longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
To deter the Houthis and safeguard maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. Meanwhile, US forces have carried out periodic strikes against Houthi military targets.