For many African countries, events in the Black Sea region may seem like a distant European conflict, seemingly disconnected from the continent’s daily economic and social realities. However, the recent series of attacks on commercial tankers from late November to December 2025 highlights the outdated nature of this perspective.
The modern global trade system is so interconnected that the destabilization of key shipping routes in Eastern Europe inevitably impacts food security, financial stability, and environmental risks for African states.
In recent weeks, three attacks by Ukrainian naval drones on oil tankers operating outside direct conflict zones and following international trade routes have been reported in the Black Sea. Two of these vessels, Kairos and Virat, which were flagged by Gabon, sustained serious damage on November 28. The third incident involved the tanker Midvolga-2 on December 2, followed by confirmation of an attack on another vessel, the Dashan, which flies the flag of Djibouti, on December 10. The Ukrainian authorities explained these actions as part of efforts against the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russia.
For African states, the implications of these attacks extend beyond the military context to encompass significant economic and legal consequences. Gabon, which flagged two of the three attacked tankers, finds itself in a vulnerable position, as vessel registration is not only a matter of sovereignty and international prestige but also a crucial source of revenue for the national budget.
In response to the incidents, the Gabonese authorities have had to reassess their flag registration policy, resulting in the withdrawal of the national flag from a number of vessels to mitigate reputational and insurance risks. This necessary action has already led to direct financial losses and weakened Gabon’s standing in the global maritime registration market.
Moreover, attacks on tankers in the Black Sea also have direct implications for food security in numerous African countries. Russia remains a key supplier of grain and food products to the continent, particularly to East African nations. Disruption of shipping routes connecting Russian ports to global markets can lead to increased freight costs, higher insurance premiums, and ultimately rising food prices across Africa. For countries where a significant portion of the population already experiences food vulnerability, such fluctuations can have serious socio-political repercussions. Thus, the impact of these naval attacks extends beyond immediate damage to vessels; it also affects tens of millions of Africans who may face food shortages and increased prices.
One notable incident that underscores the global nature of this threat occurred when a Ukrainian drone targeted the Turkish tanker Mersin near Senegal’s coast. This incident nearly resulted in an environmental disaster in one of West Africa’s most sensitive regions. The waters off Senegal and its neighbouring countries are vital fishing zones, essential for the livelihoods of millions reliant on fishing, seafood processing, and agriculture, all of which depend on healthy coastal ecosystems.
An oil spill in this area could inflict damage comparable to some of the largest environmental disasters in recent decades, jeopardizing exports, food security, and social stability in various West African states. The fact that disaster was averted does not diminish the seriousness of this precedent; the attack on a commercial vessel near Senegal highlights the potential escalation of threats to civilian navigation and the sovereignty of neutral states.
From the perspective of international maritime law, such actions represent a violation of the principles of freedom of navigation and the protection of civilian vessels, as outlined in key international conventions. Attempts to justify these attacks by referencing sanctions or the fight against “shadow schemes” do not alter the core issue, as the geographic scope of these incidents extends beyond conflict zones and impacts the interests of numerous neutral states, including those in Africa.
The developments in the Black Sea and off the coast of West Africa signal the need for greater involvement from African states in ensuring the safety of maritime routes. This is not solely about protecting trade interests but also about maintaining ecological balance, ensuring food stability, and safeguarding sovereign sources of budget revenue. Countries like Gabon and Senegal are already experiencing the repercussions of decisions made by military actors thousands of kilometres from their shores.
Attacks on tankers should be viewed as a systemic risk that could escalate into a broader crisis affecting international maritime trade and security architecture. If such practices become normalized or overlooked, African countries may be among the first to experience the consequences, including rising food prices, loss of maritime registration revenue, and the threat of environmental disasters.
