The recent large-scale attacks conducted by the Yemeni Houthi rebels on international
shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have exposed the re-emerging threat of maritime terrorism. Along and off the East African coastline, terrorist groups are increasingly expanding their landward activities into the maritime domain, revealing transnational maritime links in the region and beyond. This paper investigates the extent and recent trends of maritime terrorism in East Africa, as well as the drivers of the recent surge. The research finds that maritime terrorism in the region is mainly driven by smuggling and extortion, rather than offensive actions. An assessment of maritime terrorism in East Africa allows for better comprehension of the fragility of its maritime spheres, amidst the growing geostrategic and geo-economic significance of the Western Indian Ocean in international relations and security affairs.
