The European Union has announced plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to help defend cargo ships against attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The bloc’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking to reporters ahead of an informal meeting of defense ministers in Brussels.
Borrell said the EU operation would be named Aspides – meaning protector – and its mandate would be to protect commercial and intercept attacks, but not take part in strikes against the Houthis.
“We have to decide which country will take the command … where the headquarters will be, what navy assets member states will provide,” he said.
Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen have become a hotspot for maritime unrest, with attacks targeting ships perceived to be associated with Israel.
The Houthis claim solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza, framing their actions as a response to what they view as a genocide in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The Red Sea holds strategic significance for the European Union (EU), as approximately 40% of its trade with Asian and Middle Eastern countries passes through these waters. The EU’s focus on maritime security in the region aligns with broader efforts to protect economic interests and ensure safe navigation along critical trade routes.
Several EU member states, including France, Greece, and Italy, have expressed interest in leading the mission. Seven countries have indicated their willingness to deploy naval assets, building upon existing EU missions in the area. The Aspides mission, initially under EU command, is set to begin with three vessels, leveraging the presence of warships from France and Italy, with Germany planning to send the Hesse frigate to the region.
This initiative signifies the EU’s decision to diverge from the US-led mission launched in December, which involved airstrikes on Houthi positions by the US and Britain. The EU’s move reflects reservations about being under Washington’s command and emphasizes its commitment to an independent approach.
However, the EU faces the challenge of potentially escalating tensions in the region, given the complex geopolitical dynamics involving multiple stakeholders. Meticulous planning and diplomatic finesse are crucial in navigating the turbulent waters of the Red Sea.
Maritime security is paramount due to the Red Sea’s role as a critical global trade route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, facilitating trade between Africa and Asia. The ongoing conflict has led shipping firms to avoid the region, opting for a longer route around Africa. This disruption, affecting over 12% of global trade, poses risks of inflation and price rises for import-heavy African countries such as Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
While circumventing the Red Sea entails increased sailing time and costs, it also creates opportunities for African nations to benefit from heightened maritime traffic and potential diversions in trade routes.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES ON PRUDENCE JOURNAL
Jumia stops food delivery services in Nigeria and other African markets over profitability concerns
Tems opens up on pregnancy rumours with US rapper Future, says she got death threats
US House of Reps launches Republican impeachment inquiry against Biden
Afrobeat superstar Wizkid donates N100 million to children for Christmas
South African singer Zahara dies of liver complication at 36
Nigeria’s central bank to freeze accounts without BVN or NIN
Elon Musk blasts advertisers who pulled spending from X
70-years-old woman delivers twins after 40 years of barrenness
Israel Fails to Provide Evidence of Hamas Command Center in Al-Shifa Hospital Raid