Seoul Enhances Anti-Piracy Preparedness in Kenya

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of Korea recently conducted a rapid response team simulation drill in Kenya from March 30 to April 1, 2026. The exercise, held in cooperation with the Korean Embassy in Kenya, focused on enhancing the nation’s readiness to respond to overseas crises, specifically a hypothetical hijacking of a South Korean vessel and its crew by Somali pirates.

This comprehensive tabletop exercise, involving both MOFA headquarters and the embassy, was designed to inspect and strengthen the existing rapid response system. It specifically addressed the growing global trend of piracy, with incidents increasing from 115 in 2022 to 137 in 2025, including five incidents in the Somalia-Aden Gulf region in 2025. A key objective was to ensure that the embassy’s “Overseas Korean Protection Field Action Manual” adequately reflects necessary response measures for such attacks.

As part of the initiative, Yoo Ji-seong, team leader of MOFA’s Overseas Safety Situation Room, engaged with key Kenyan officials, including the Director-General of the Kenya Maritime Authority and the Director of Planning and Coordination for the Kenya Marine Police. These meetings aimed to secure swift cooperation for the rescue of South Korean vessels in the event of a hijacking. Additionally, a safety briefing was held with local Korean residents to share information on current local conditions and safety protocols.

MOFA has been deploying rapid response teams to crisis-affected areas since 2005 to protect Korean nationals and conducts annual simulation drills with overseas missions, having completed six such exercises in 2025 alone in various regions like the Philippines (typhoon), Indonesia (earthquake), and Bolivia (political instability). Ambassador Kang Hyung-sik to Kenya stated that the recent drill served as a crucial opportunity to meticulously review the response system for piracy incidents and other crises, thereby strengthening preparedness for the protection of Korean citizens.

The Ministry announced its commitment to continue conducting tailored rapid response team simulation drills, adapted to regional characteristics, to establish an even more robust and comprehensive protection network for South Korean citizens living or traveling abroad.

Source: 외교부 보도자료 — Original Article (Korean)