The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a text calling upon Member States in the Gulf of Guinea region to criminalize piracy and armed robbery at sea under their domestic laws, and to investigate, prosecute or extradite perpetrators of such crimes, as well as those who incite, finance or intentionally facilitate them.
The 15-nation organ also urged Member States in the region of the Gulf of Guinea to take prompt action, at national and regional levels, with the support of the international community, when requested by the State concerned.
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Further terms urged that, in accordance with international law, national maritime security strategies be developed and implemented. This would include the establishment of a harmonized legal framework for the prevention and repression of piracy and armed robbery at sea, as well as prosecution of persons engaging in those crimes and punishment of those convicted.
Among other things, the Council also encouraged bilateral and multilateral partners to provide adequate legal and operational support, and encouraged regional organizations, including the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission, among others, to enhance subregional, regional and international cooperation on maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea and to further operationalize the Yaoundé architecture.
Further terms stressed the need for a comprehensive response to prevent and suppress piracy and tackle its underlying causes by the international community, in collaboration with the States of the Gulf of Guinea, regional organizations and other relevant actors. Member States and relevant international organizations were urged to assist States in the region in ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent the revenues generated by piracy and armed robbery at sea from contributing to the financing of terrorism in West and Central Africa and the Sahel.
Harold Adlai Agyeman (Ghana), speaking also for Norway, observed that it had been 10 years since the Council adopted its last resolution on maritime piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea.
Citing piracy’s deep ties to terrorism and the troubling return of coups d’états in the region, he said today’s text builds on various existing frameworks, including the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, and requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on current efforts being undertaken to combat such crimes.
Recounting the negotiation process, he said talks began in early January, after which bilateral discussions were held to address all delegations’ concerns in an open and transparent manner. However, the adoption was then deferred due to concerns raised by one delegation.
Efforts were taken to ensure that the text was acceptable to all, and delegates ultimately demonstrated the necessary flexibility to ensure the resolution could be adopted by consensus Specifically, some language was repositioned to make clear that the resolution’s provisions apply only to the situation in the Gulf of Guinea and not to other situations.
