Transforming West Africa’s Coast: The Impact of Technology on Combating Piracy and Illegal Fishing

The Gulf of Guinea, spanning from Senegal to Angola, is rich in hydrocarbon, mineral, and fisheries resources. This coastal region is crucial for the development of countries within its bounds, serving as a vital route for international commerce.

The lack of proper monitoring in the Gulf of Guinea has facilitated various security threats at sea, including illegal fishing, drug trafficking, piracy, armed robbery, and toxic waste dumping. These challenges highlight the need for enhanced maritime surveillance and governance in the region.

In 2020, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) highlighted a concerning escalation in maritime security issues within the Gulf of Guinea. The region, spanning from Senegal to Angola, experienced an alarming surge in crew kidnappings at sea. A total of 130 crew members fell victim to kidnapping incidents, marking the highest number ever recorded in a single year. These distressing events unfolded across 22 separate incidents, emphasizing a grave threat to the safety and security of maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

Piracy, armed robbery, and other illicit activities, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, and toxic waste dumping, have been persistent challenges. The lack of comprehensive monitoring and effective enforcement mechanisms in the region has allowed these security threats to proliferate, posing risks not only to the natural resources of the Gulf but also to international commerce that relies on its waters.

The data from the IMB underscored the urgent need for coordinated and robust measures to address maritime security concerns in the Gulf of Guinea. Governments, regional organizations, and the international maritime community must collaborate to enhance surveillance, enforcement, and response capabilities to ensure the safety of seafarers and the sustainable use of marine resources in this strategically important coastal region.

In 2013, recognizing the pressing need for collective action to address maritime security threats in the Gulf of Guinea, heads of state from the region came together to sign the Yaoundé Code of Conduct. This landmark agreement symbolized a commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at tackling challenges such as piracy, armed robbery, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and toxic waste dumping in the Gulf.

As part of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, a significant initiative known as the Yaoundé Architecture was established. This multifaceted framework comprises different divisions working in tandem to coordinate and share crucial information regarding maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea. By facilitating communication and cooperation among regional stakeholders, the Yaoundé Architecture plays a vital role in enhancing maritime domain awareness, response capabilities, and overall security measures.

The establishment of the Yaoundé Architecture represents a proactive step toward regional security governance, emphasizing the importance of a collective approach to safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea’s waters and ensuring the sustainable development of the coastal countries within the region.

Since the signing of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct in 2013, notable progress has been achieved in addressing maritime security threats in West and Central African countries. A recent study highlights the pivotal role played by technology-driven tools in enhancing the security landscape at sea.

Nigeria, once designated a piracy hotspot, experienced a positive shift, leading to its delisting in 2022. This transformation can be attributed significantly to the effective use of technology. Tech tools have proven instrumental in improving the management and monitoring of the marine environment, fostering more efficient responses to security challenges.

Moreover, technology facilitates seamless information sharing among law enforcement agencies, creating a collaborative environment that has resulted in successful interdictions and the prosecution of pirates in the Gulf of Guinea region. The integration of these technological advancements underscores the positive impact of innovative solutions in enhancing maritime security and combating illicit activities at sea.

In the wake of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, the Gulf of Guinea countries have embraced new technologies that utilize location data from vessels equipped with tracking systems. Innovative tools and systems, such as Radar, Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (Yaris), Sea-Vision, Skylight, and Global Fishing Watch, are integrating information from diverse surveillance and location monitoring sources, including satellite data.

This integration of data has proven invaluable in identifying suspicious behavior at sea. By providing a comprehensive view of vessel activity, these technologies enhance the ability of Gulf countries to monitor their waters effectively. The improved awareness enables more informed responses in emergency situations, such as addressing piracy, armed robbery, and oil theft, contributing significantly to the region’s efforts to combat security threats and safeguard maritime interests.

The use of technology in addressing maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea faces additional hurdles, including communication difficulties, lack of internet connectivity on some vessels, and low internet speeds. Moreover, private operators in the shipping industry often bypass regional solutions like the Yaoundé Architecture, reporting incidents to agencies outside the region. This lack of trust and reliance on external entities can undermine the effectiveness of regional initiatives.

To foster a secure and collaborative maritime environment, it is crucial for nations to enhance their technological capabilities, address communication challenges, and ensure that both external partners and private operators actively engage with and utilize the available technological services provided by regional architectures. This cooperation is essential for effectively tackling maritime security threats in the Gulf of Guinea.