Maritime security and safety have become issues of significant concern in Africa, so much so that the continent's leaders decided to spend a week addressing the subject. The Togolese capital hosted a special session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government from the 10-15 October. The big themes under discussion were maritime piracy, illegal trafficking, illegal fishing, the sea as a factor of development and the preservation of the marine environment. Twenty-two African delegations adopted on 15 October the African Charter on Maritime Security, Safety and Development. The Charter aims to put into place an African strategy for the protection of its seas and oceans, to ensure peace, security and stability, and to make the African maritime space the key driver for sustainable economic development. The Charter foresees, among others, the creation of a "Fund for Maritime Security and Safety”. Its application will require time and will be legally binding.
 
Find out more: http://www.sommetdelome.org  http://www.african-union-togo2015.com/fr/accueil
Infographic: http://www.african-union-togo2015.com/lang/content_fr/img/home/infographics_fr.png
2 0 5 0 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy:http://pages.au.int/sites/default/files/2050%20AIM%20Strategy%20%28Eng%29_0.pdf