ECCAS and Its Partners Strengthen Their Commitment to Regional Maritime Security
Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon, senior officials from Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening governance and operational capacities in maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.
This 5th Ordinary Session of the Annual Meeting of Senior Officials (AMSO) also led to the adoption of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and the 2026 budget of the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC).
A Strategic Meeting for Regional Maritime Security
The 5th Ordinary Session of the Annual Meeting of Senior Officials (AMSO) of ECCAS, ECOWAS, and the GGC on maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea was held on May 16, 2026, in Yaoundé, Republic of Cameroon.
The proceedings were opened under the chairmanship of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Ezéchiel Nibigira, President of the ECCAS Commission and current Chair of the AMSO.
Several high-level figures attended this interregional meeting, including H.E. José Mba Abeso, Vice Admiral Mendoua Jean representing the Cameroonian government, as well as officials from the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC) and the Regional Maritime Security Centre for Central Africa (CRESMAC).
Representatives from Cameroon’s Ministries of External Relations and Defence, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Yaoundé, and experts from partner institutions also took part in the discussions.
Reaffirmation of the 4th Session Recommendations
During the meeting, senior officials reviewed and validated the report presented by experts. They notably reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the conclusions of the 4th Ordinary Session of the AMSO.
Participants emphasized the need to further strengthen governance, operational capacities, and the monitoring of ICC recommendations in order to better address persistent security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea—a strategic area for African maritime trade that continues to face threats such as piracy, illicit trafficking, and transnational organized crime.
Senior officials also reviewed the activity and financial reports for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. On this occasion, they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the ICC’s financial sustainability and administrative governance while enhancing its operational capabilities.
Adoption of the ICC Strategic Plan 2026–2030
One of the highlights of the meeting was the adoption of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan of the Interregional Coordination Centre. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships, improving the Centre’s institutional visibility, and ensuring strategic alignment with ongoing reforms within ECCAS, ECOWAS, and the GGC.
Senior officials also adopted the ICC’s 2026 budget. They reiterated their ambition to promote the Centre’s financial autonomy and better harmonization of financial management mechanisms.
In this regard, several recommendations were made to improve budget planning, monitoring of member states’ contributions, the capacity of financial staff, and the credibility of budget forecasts.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
Through this 5th Ordinary Session of the AMSO, regional partner organizations reaffirmed their determination to strengthen interregional cooperation to ensure maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Yaoundé meeting thus marks a new step in reinforcing the regional maritime security architecture, considered a key driver for stability, economic development, and regional integration in Central and West Africa.
Source: ECCAS
