On Monday, July 21, at 9:30 a.m. ET, the Africa Center, in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South, will release the second issue brief from their project focused on the power of the Atlantic.

Author Maisie Pigeon will highlight the key findings from her new issue brief, “Atlantic piracy, current threats, and maritime governance in the Gulf of Guinea.” In the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime regions for commerce and shipping, piracy remains a critical security and development concern. Despite recent declines in reported incidents, the underlying drivers of maritime crime persist, including weak law enforcement, high youth unemployment, and limited economic opportunities.

At this event, Pigeon will talk about the current state of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, analyze trends in criminal activity, evaluate the effectiveness of regional and international responses, and explore pathways toward lasting maritime security. She will make the case for a comprehensive response that includes enforcement mechanisms, good governance, community resilience, and economic development.