Timothy Walker | ISS Africa

18 Dec 2025 / by Timothy Walker

Strengthening SADC’s maritime security architecture

Geography, weak coordination and uneven member-state engagement continue to constrain SADC's maritime security architecture despite strategic frameworks adopted since 2011.

12 Dec 2025 / by Denys Reva & Timothy Walker

Securing Africa’s maritime leadership: from policy to action

Africa's maritime ambitions need stronger coordination, stable funding and permanent naval leadership structures to move from policy to practice.

03 Dec 2025 / by Daniela Marggraff & Timothy Walker

Southern Ocean and Antarctica: correcting the blind spot on SA’s radar

Given its obligations in the region, South Africa is uniquely positioned to represent Africa’s interests in Antarctic governance.

20 Nov 2025 / by Timothy Walker & Halkano Wario

As Somali pirates make a comeback, collaboration is key

Overstretched naval deployments and a focus on Red Sea security have left parts of the Western Indian Ocean vulnerable.

29 Sep 2025 / by Timothy Walker

West Africa must take the helm in the fight against piracy

With their strong track record of naval engagement, Gulf of Guinea states can achieve greater self-reliance on maritime security.

16 Sep 2025 / by Timothy Walker & Denys Reva

With three bold moves, maritime security in Africa could be plain sailing

Maritime issues are on the African Union’s radar, but member states must push for a shift from ambition to action.

16 Jan 2025 / by Timothy Walker

Sink or swim: Africa’s crucial maritime milestones in 2025

Progress has been slow during the AU’s Decade of African Seas and Oceans. Five urgent steps can correct the course.

17 Dec 2024 / by Timothy Walker

No easy courses for Chagos consensus on sovereignty and security

The Chagos Archipelago dispute is a microcosm of the broader tensions shaping global maritime geopolitics.

19 Nov 2024 / by Timothy Walker

Positioning South Africa as guardian of the Cape route

The country needs more than infrastructure upgrades to capitalise on the surge in shipping along the Cape Sea Route.

07 Nov 2024 / by Timothy Walker

New Somali piracy threats require partnerships and holistic responses

Somalia’s upcoming seat on the UN Security Council should allow it to shape international maritime security policies.

04 Mar 2024 / by Timothy Walker

Somalia-Türkiye maritime security partnership faces stormy waters

Somalia is leveraging untapped maritime incentives to build alliances in a turbulent region.

22 Jan 2024 / by Timothy Walker

Africa needs a stronger voice on resolving the Red Sea crisis

African countries’ call for diplomatic solutions should be accompanied by AU action to protect the continent’s interests.