COMBATING PIRACY IN THE GULF OF GUINEA: UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES OF THE YAOUNDÉ ARCHITECTURE FOR MARITIME SECURITY
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Authors
Ajeagah, Felix N.
Subjects
Gulf of Guinea piracy
member states
interests
capacity
trust
HoS Summit
maritime security
YAMS
Yaoundé Code of Conduct
YCC
Interregional Coordination Center
ICC
CRESMAC
CRESMAO
GoG
member states
interests
capacity
trust
HoS Summit
maritime security
YAMS
Yaoundé Code of Conduct
YCC
Interregional Coordination Center
ICC
CRESMAC
CRESMAO
GoG
Advisors
Malley, Michael S.
Sigman, Rachel L.
Date of Issue
2022-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Gulf of Guinea (GoG) member nations that signed the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security (YAMS) in June 2013 must work together to combat piracy and other maritime crimes. Despite international backing for this initiative, maritime security challenges have grown. In the GoG, seafarers are abducted, tortured, and ransomed more often than elsewhere. The regional response to maritime security issues in the GoG has not been effective because of several factors, including the cooperation’s non-binding code of conduct, the insufficient implementation and operationalization of YAMS owing to its cumbersome design, and the member states’ different interests and limited capacities to support their own maritime security. Drawing on open-source literature, including academic research, newspaper articles, and government reports, this study examines these factors that have hindered swift and effective implementation of YAMS. Through case studies of select member states, the thesis argues that these GoG nations with land-based security challenges must not only direct more resources to their respective navies but also collaborate to enhance YAMS. Piracy knows no borders, and thus, it requires a collective response. The thesis recommends GoG governments to seek regional solutions.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.