Event recap
As part of their project focused on the power of the Atlantic, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center and the Policy Center for the New South hosted a conversation about the state of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The event launched a new issue brief, “Atlantic piracy, current threats, and maritime governance in the Gulf of Guinea,” by Maisie Pigeon.
Sidi Tiémoko Touré, minister of animal and fisheries resources of Côte d’Ivoire, kicked off the event by highlighting why it is so crucial to address piracy in West Africa and the importance of interregional observational mechanisms, including an African wide one in Morocco, to observe and track illicit maritime movements. He also warned that there would be dire consequences should jihadists in the Sahel gain access to the sea: “It would be a complete game-changer,” he said.
Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood—lecturer in sustainable futures at the University of St Andrews’ School of Geography & Sustainable Development—delivered a keynote, emphasizing the need for a holistic and multidimensional approach to addressing piracy. She also touched upon the need to address piracy’s root causes and to enhance regional capacity and law enforcement capability. She addressed the international community, reminding it that if it is telling the region to do better on piracy, then it must also engage with the information and data the region is already producing, as failing to do so risks undermining the principles of regional ownership, accountability, and trust that are essential to long-term maritime security.
Following these remarks, Maisie Pigeon conversed with Africa Center Senior Director Rama Yade on the key findings of her report. She drew out her recommendations, including one for cash-for-work programs to provide immediate income, and reiterated warnings that sustained attention and funds may be difficult to garner for essential continuing support.
Original event text
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. In addition, experts on Africa and the Atlantic will talk about trends in criminal activity, regional and international responses, and maritime security.
This conversation will take place virtually on ACTV, YouTube, and X. To attend, please register above.
Speakers
Sidi Tiémoko Touré
Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources
Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood
Lecturer in Sustainable Futures,
School of Geography & Sustainable Development,
University of St. Andrews
Maisie Pigeon
Director
Coalition for Fisheries Transparency
Rama Yade
Senior Director, Africa Center
Atlantic Council
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