Maritime security: Togo becomes the first francophone country in the sub-region to be able to arrest or prosecute ships and persons involved in maritime crime and piracy

Author: Pascaline Odoubourou

Last week, Togo validated its Standard Operating Procedures document on maritime security.

Togo’s validation of these procedures now allows it to arrest or prosecute vessels and persons involved in maritime crime and piracy. Togo thus becomes the first country in French-speaking West Africa to adopt this provision.

During the validation process, the stakeholders called for the establishment by the State of a judicial action mechanism to serve as an interface between administrations and third parties during investigations into money laundering.

Noting that this arsenal strengthens the country in its fight against maritime piracy.

It should be recalled that Togo undertook, a few years ago, to strengthen its judicial system against maritime piracy. In July 2021, an unprecedented trial was held in Lome, which led to the trial and conviction of 9 people for acts of piracy.