October 30, 2008 - President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya has called for the development of a regional maritime security policy framework in collaboration with the international community. He has urged Inter-governmental Authority on Development member states to come up with practical mechanisms to enhance security in the region's coastline.

The President was speaking at the recent extra-ordinary summit of the IGAD held in Nairobi. He said this has become necessary following the deteriorating security situation in Somalia and along its coastline. "The situation in Somalia remains volatile with the escalation of insurgents targeting humanitarian workers, peacekeepers as well as both local and foreign civilians."

President Kibaki said the increased the increased incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Eden and off the Somalia coastline have taken dangerous dimensions and that the "unfortunate situation calls for urgent and resolute measures to save the road map towards comprehensive peace in Somalia." He added that the country welcomes the UN Security Council Resolution 1814 and 1816 of June 2, 2008 authorising the use of force against piracy off the Somalia coastline. "I would like to record our appreciation to our partners who have deployed warships to patrol the Somalia waters in a bid to deter these criminal activities." (From Daily Nation, Nairobi)

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