African Union adopts charter on maritime security

The African Union adopted a landmark charter on maritime security . The document commits all Member countries to protect their environment, but also to prevent and suppress crimes on sea, as well as the traffic of human beings , weapons or drugs.

“I am pleased about the mobilization of the continent for a long-term commitment and an effective collective response through the development of the African Charter project on safety and maritime safety”, said Idriss Déby, president African Union.

The signing came at a time when piracy seems to have moved from the eastern side of the continent to the Gulf of Guinea.

Coastal States of West Africa that take 20 percent of their Maritime revenue lose about $ 1.3 billion each year due to illegal fishing, according to NGO Justice Foundation .