Senior officials from Economic Community of Central African States, Economic Community of West African States, and Gulf of Guinea Commission met in Yaoundé to reaffirm their commitment to improving maritime safety and security across the Gulf of Guinea. The discussions focused on strengthening governance structures and improving operational capacity in the region.
During the 5th Ordinary Session of the Annual Meeting of Senior Officials, participants approved the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and the 2026 budget for the Interregional Coordination Centre.
The meeting took place on 16 May 2026 in Cameroon and brought together representatives from ECCAS, ECOWAS, and the GGC to discuss maritime safety and security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Ezéchiel Nibigira, President of the ECCAS Commission and current Chair of the AMSO, opened the meeting and led the proceedings.
Senior officials and regional representatives attended the session, including H.E. José Mba Abeso, Vice Admiral Mendoua Jean representing the Cameroonian government, officials from the ICC, and representatives of the Regional Maritime Security Centre for Central Africa.
Officials from Cameroon’s Ministries of External Relations and Defence, members of the diplomatic corps in Yaoundé, and experts from partner organizations also joined the discussions.
During the session, participants reviewed and approved the report presented by experts. They also confirmed their commitment to implementing the recommendations from the 4th Ordinary Session of the AMSO.
Officials highlighted the need to improve governance, strengthen operational capacity, and monitor the implementation of ICC recommendations more effectively. They stressed that the Gulf of Guinea remains vulnerable to piracy, illicit trafficking, and organized transnational crime despite its importance to African maritime trade.
Participants also reviewed the ICC’s activity and financial reports for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. They discussed ways to improve the Centre’s financial sustainability, administrative management, and operational effectiveness.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the ICC’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. Participants emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships, better institutional visibility, and closer alignment with reforms taking place within ECCAS, ECOWAS, and the GGC.
Officials also approved the ICC’s 2026 budget and reaffirmed their commitment to improving the Centre’s financial independence and financial management systems.
The meeting also produced several recommendations aimed at improving budget planning, monitoring member state contributions, strengthening the capacity of financial staff, and improving the accuracy of budget forecasts.
Through the 5th Ordinary Session of the AMSO, regional organizations once again confirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The meeting in Yaoundé marked another step in efforts to strengthen the region’s maritime security framework and support stability, economic growth, and regional integration across Central and West Africa.
source: maritimafrica.com
African Maritime Council