ECCAS Calls for the Revitalization of the Yaoundé Architecture
The President of the Commission of ECCAS, Dr. Ezéchiel Nibigira, called for strengthened regional cooperation and a reinvigoration of maritime security mechanisms in the Gulf of Guinea at the opening of the 5th Annual Meeting of Senior Officials of the Yaoundé Architecture.
Speaking at this session bringing together ECCAS, ECOWAS, and the GGC, the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States highlighted the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea for African and global economies. He recalled that nearly 90% of global trade is transported by sea and that this area represents a major energy corridor due to its oil production and the intense maritime traffic recorded there daily.
Persistent threats despite progress made
In his address, Dr. Ezéchiel Nibigira welcomed the progress achieved in recent years in combating maritime piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. According to him, statistics show a significant decline in incidents thanks to the joint efforts of Member States and international partners.
However, he warned that threats remain concerning, particularly piracy, kidnapping for ransom, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and sabotage of maritime installations. He notably indicated that nearly 40% of the region’s fishery resources are exploited illegally, resulting in economic losses estimated at over 2 billion US dollars each year.
The President of the ECCAS Commission therefore stressed the need to maintain constant vigilance and to continuously adapt response mechanisms to the evolving operating methods of criminal groups active in the regional maritime space.
Towards a revitalization of the Interregional Coordination Centre
Referring to the Yaoundé Architecture and the Code of Conduct adopted in 2013, Dr. Ezéchiel Nibigira recalled that an assessment of maritime security arrangements had been conducted after more than ten years of implementation. This evaluation made it possible to identify both achievements and shortcomings, particularly in terms of financing, governance, information sharing, and the strengthening of operational capacities.
He welcomed the support of the United Nations system, notably UNOCA, UNOWAS, and UNODC, in conducting this evaluation. The recommendations will soon be submitted to government experts before being reviewed by the Heads of State and Government of the concerned organizations.
The President of the ECCAS Commission also advocated for the effective relaunch of the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC), based in Yaoundé, by providing it with sufficient financial, human, and material resources. He also called for the establishment of a sustainable financing mechanism to ensure the autonomy and effectiveness of the ICC in implementing the regional maritime security strategy.
A call to strengthen regional cooperation
In closing his remarks, the President of the ECCAS Commission reaffirmed the commitment of regional organizations to promoting a safe and stable Gulf of Guinea—an essential condition for the development of a sustainable blue economy for the benefit of the countries in the region.
He finally welcomed the participation of ECOWAS and GGC officials in the meeting and expressed hope that the Yaoundé discussions would lead to concrete progress in maritime security and regional integration.
Source: ECCAS
