Strengthening cooperation to suppress illicit maritime activities

ECOWAS States meet to discuss way forward

TOGO: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met this week to examine the draft Supplementary Act relating to cooperation in suppressing illicit maritime activities in the region with the aim to clarify opportunities for more effective implementation.

This meeting, organised by ECOWAS in collaboration with UNODC via the support of the EU-funded SWAIMS project, is an important step towards enhanced cooperation in the repression of illicit maritime activities in the ECOWAS region, thus contributing to the region’s security and stability.

Babate Atatoum, Chief of Staff of the Togolese Navy, warmly welcomed the participants and highlighted the current security challenges requiring urgent action. He expressed his gratitude to all the partners involved in making the event a success.

Francis Omiunu, Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to the fight against illicit activities in the maritime domain. He also thanked the European Union for its financial support, and ECOWAS for its efforts in this crucial area for security in West Africa.

Paolo Salvia, Representative of the European Union Delegation in Togo, underlined the importance of this meeting, pointing out that maritime safety concerns all States and requires a shared commitment.

Dr. Dieng Abdourahmane, Head of Division, Regional Security, stressed the importance of this meeting in clarifying the objectives of the draft supplementary Act relating to cooperation in suppressing illicit maritime activities in the ECOWAS region., and obtaining technical feedback for effective implementation of the recommendations made.

Stanislas BABA, Minister Counsellor for the Sea, recalled the harmful effects of maritime acts in ECOWAS regional waters, thus underlining the crucial importance of the proper shaping and implementation of this supplementary Act.