The Geopolitics of Sovereign Maritime Indebtedness: Evaluating Port Lease Demarcation Vulnerabilities in Fragile East African Coastal Enclaves

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 14, No. 12, December 2024 | pp. 100–108

DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/141201

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: The Geopolitics of Sovereign Maritime Indebtedness: Evaluating Port Lease Demarcation Vulnerabilities in Fragile East African Coastal Enclaves

Authors: Amanuel T. Mengistu¹, Sibusiso K. Khumalo²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institute for Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; ²Department of Public Law, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract:
This study investigates the structural connections linking foreign commercial infrastructure credits, long-term maritime port concession agreements, and the reduction of sovereign territorial command within fragile littoral states along the East African coast. Utilizing a political economy framework integrated with transboundary shipping registries and financial transaction records from 2021 to 2024, we examine the systematic expansion of external economic leverage. The empirical field evidence demonstrates that the tactical transformation of unpaid public liabilities into commercial maritime leases fragments municipal zoning administration and increases localized cross-border friction. Quantitative modeling shows that coastal nations characterized by high infrastructure credit dependency face a 45% reduction in sovereign territorial monitoring capacities and a marked rise in local civil demonstrations regarding traditional land access right exclusions. The study highlights the systemic failure of regional multilateral coalitions to enforce equitable financing metrics or offer independent state credit alternatives. We conclude that sustainable regional stabilization requires establishing transparent, multilateral debt-restructuring panels that prioritize local ecological preservation and community asset protections over structural foreclosure actions.

Keywords: Maritime Indebtedness; Port Concessions; East Africa; Debt Leveraging; Political Economy; Sovereign Autonomy.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 12, 2022; Revised: January 05, 2023; Accepted: March 18, 2023; Published: December 15, 2024

Citation: Mengistu, A. T., & Khumalo, S. K. (2024). The Geopolitics of Sovereign Maritime Indebtedness: Evaluating Port Lease Demarcation Vulnerabilities in Fragile East African Coastal Enclaves. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 14(12), 100–108. DOI: 10.46882/2024/GJPCS/141201

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