Combating Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: Assessing the Effectiveness of Regional Cooperation and Legal Frameworks

Posted: September 30th, 2022

Combating Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: Assessing the Effectiveness of Regional Cooperation and Legal Frameworks

Maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has emerged as a significant threat to international shipping and regional security. The persistent nature of this problem has necessitated collaborative efforts among coastal states and international partners to address the complex challenges posed by pirate activities. This paper examines the effectiveness of regional cooperation mechanisms and legal frameworks in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, evaluating their successes, limitations, and potential areas for improvement.

The Gulf of Guinea, stretching from Senegal to Angola, has become a hotspot for maritime piracy in recent years. According to the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Cooperation (GOGMSC) (2023), the region accounted for over 90% of global maritime kidnappings in 2022. The economic and human costs of these attacks have been substantial, affecting not only the shipping industry but also the broader regional economy. Consequently, coastal states and international partners have intensified efforts to address this security challenge through various cooperative mechanisms and legal instruments.

Regional cooperation has been a cornerstone of counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Guinea. The Yaoundé Code of Conduct, signed in 2013, established a framework for information sharing and joint operations among coastal states. Adesoji (2021) argues that this agreement has facilitated improved coordination and intelligence sharing among maritime security agencies. Furthermore, the establishment of regional coordination centers, such as the Interregional Coordination Centre in Yaoundé, has enhanced the capacity for joint planning and execution of counter-piracy operations.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these regional cooperation mechanisms has been hampered by several challenges. Ebo (2019) highlights the lack of adequate financial resources and technical capacity among some coastal states as significant impediments to full implementation of cooperative agreements. Additionally, Eruaga (2023) points out that differences in national legal systems and jurisdictional issues have sometimes hindered seamless cooperation in prosecuting apprehended pirates.

Legal frameworks play a crucial role in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Many coastal states have updated their maritime laws to criminalize piracy and establish jurisdiction over piracy-related offenses. Ehizuelen (2023) notes that Nigeria, for instance, enacted the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act in 2019, which has strengthened the country’s legal basis for prosecuting pirates. However, the effectiveness of these legal frameworks varies across the region, with some countries still lacking comprehensive anti-piracy legislation.

International legal instruments, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), provide a broader framework for addressing piracy. However, Ahorsu et al. (2024) argue that the application of these instruments in the Gulf of Guinea context has been challenging due to the complex nature of piracy in the region, which often involves a mix of maritime crime and land-based criminal networks.

Despite these challenges, there have been notable successes in combating piracy through regional cooperation and legal frameworks. Joint naval patrols and information sharing have led to several successful interventions against pirate attacks. Agubamah (2024) highlights Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting multilateral cooperation, which has contributed to a reduction in piracy incidents in recent years.

To enhance the effectiveness of counter-piracy efforts, several areas require attention. First, there is a need for increased investment in maritime security capabilities, including surveillance technologies and patrol vessels. Second, harmonization of legal frameworks across the region would facilitate more effective prosecution of pirates and deter potential offenders. Third, addressing the root causes of piracy, such as poverty and unemployment in coastal communities, is essential for long-term success.

In conclusion, regional cooperation and legal frameworks have played a significant role in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. While challenges persist, the progress made thus far demonstrates the potential of collaborative approaches in addressing this complex security issue. Moving forward, strengthening existing mechanisms, addressing capacity gaps, and adopting a comprehensive approach that tackles both the symptoms and root causes of piracy will be crucial for enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

References

Adesoji, A. A. (2021). Combating maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: A critical assessment of regional cooperation mechanisms. African Security Review, 30(1), 1-22.

Ahorsu, K., Yaro, D.S., & Attachie, D. (2024). Maritime Piracy and its Implications on Security in the Gulf of Guinea. Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(2), 1-10.

Agubamah, E. (2024). Nigeria’s role in the promotion of peace and security in the Gulf of Guinea through multilateral cooperation 2001-2022. Atras Journal, 5(1), 102-116.

Ebo, E. E. (2019). Regional cooperation and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea: Challenges and prospects. In D. O. Ofodile (Ed.), Maritime security in Africa: Challenges and opportunities (pp. 123-145). Palgrave Macmillan.

Ehizuelen, M.M.O. (2023). Assessing the national and regional effectiveness of countering maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. GeoJournal, 88(4), 3549-3574.