Jonathan, African Leaders Gather in Cameroun for Piracy Talks

President Goodluck Jonathan will join other Heads of State of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central Africa States (ECCAS) in the Camerounian capital to deliberate on new proposals and a joint action plan to tackle piracy and maritime criminality in the gulf.

PSN gathered that the African leaders are meeting to co-ordinate efforts against piracy and the rising incidents of piracy in the resource-rich Gulf of Guinea.

The summit of West and Central African Heads of State and Government on Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea opens on Monday, June 24, 2013, according to a release obtained from the Presidency.

Documents to be considered and ratified by Heads of State at the Summit include a Memorandum of Agreement among ECOWAS, ECCAS and the Gulf of Guinea Commission on maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa, the policy statements of the Heads of State and Government on maritime safety and security, as well as a Code of Conduct on the fight against piracy, armed robbery and illegal maritime activities.

According to PSN findings, more ships and sailors have falling prey to pirates off West Africa last year than off Somalia\'s coast, according to report there is increased risk posed by the rise in attacks on vessels in the Gulf of Guinea.

The report drawing on data from the International Maritime Bureau said nearly 1,000 seafarers and fishermen were attacked by pirates armed with guns or knives in the Gulf of Guinea last year, and that 800 of them were aboard vessels that were overtaken by pirates. More than 200 were taken hostage.

The Gulf of Guinea has been a haven for frequent commercial ships attack with pirates in the region aided by weak naval and coast guard protection as well as a lack of awareness about the threats they pose.

President Jonathan will be accompanied to the summit by the Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, the Minister of Transport, Alhaji Idris Umar, the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba and the Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.

The President will also hold bi-lateral talks with President Paul Biya on bilateral issues such as border security and the welfare of Nigerians living in Cameroun.

He will meet with the Nigerian community in Cameroun before returning to Abuja on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. source------Abuja (PSN)