New leadership for CGIMA
Seychelles assumes chair of security group
SEYCHELLES: As announced last year, the Republic of Seychelles officially assumed the Chairpersonship of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities (CGIMA) from the Republic of Kenya in a formal handover ceremony held yesterday.
Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces of the Republic of Seychelles, and Brigadier Mohammed Shee Shemote, Fleet Commander of the Kenyan Navy, both emphasised the importance of continuity in regional maritime security efforts.
Their statements reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to fostering cooperation, strengthening maritime governance, and addressing emerging threats in the Indian Ocean region.
As CGIMA Chair, Seychelles will prioritise engagement, collaboration, and transparency within key regional and global mechanisms, including the Djibouti Code of Conduct and the Indian Ocean Commission, to reinforce maritime security governance.
Seychelles also aims to promote structured engagement among maritime security actors and align CGIMA’s objectives with key international initiatives, such as the United Nations Ocean Conference and the Our Ocean Conference.
Under Seychelles’ leadership, CGIMA is entering a new phase of strategic collaboration and coordinated action, further strengthening its role in regional and global maritime security efforts
CGIMA was formed in 2022 when the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (known as CGPCS) morphed into the new entity. The former group was established in 2009 o facilitate the discussion and coordination of actions among states and organizations to suppress Somali piracy.
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