ECSA Calls For Action In West Africa

ECSA-calls-for-action-in-West-AfricaThe ECSA Piracy Task Force met in June and agreed on the need for continued efforts to address the problem of piracy along the coasts of East and West Africa.
The latest position of ECSA on piracy off Somalia and in West Africa has now been finalised and can be found below
East Africa

ECSA-calls-for-action-in-West-AfricaThe ECSA Piracy Task Force met in June and agreed on the need for continued efforts to address the problem of piracy along the coasts of East and West Africa.
The latest position of ECSA on piracy off Somalia and in West Africa has now been finalised and can be found below
East Africa
Shipowners are grateful to see the decrease of piracy attacks around the Horn of Africa. The naval presence of the EU Member States, through their participation to EU NAVFOR ATALANTA and their cooperation with other international forces, has strongly contributed to the decline of successful piracy attacks in this region. In conjunction with self-protection measures adopted by the shipowners, criminal prosecution of piracy suspects and reconstruction efforts in Somalia, the naval presence has resulted in a strong improvement of the security situation in the Gulf of Aden.
However, although developments on land are promising, among others thanks to the efforts from the EU to address the root problems of piracy, the situation is fragile and remains easily reversible. The problem has been curtailed, not solved. It is therefore absolutely imperative that Member States maintain the military operation and other efforts in the region.
The EU shipowners therefore call for the extension of the EU NAVFOR ATALANTA mandate beyond 2014, at least until 2016.
West Africa
Unfortunately, piracy and armed robbery are increasing in the Gulf of Guinea. Attacks are also taking place now far outside territorial waters and extreme violence is used.
The problem is acute, complex and reaches beyond the seafarers and shipowners. The poor security situation imposes additional, high costs on African imports and exports and thus jeopardises jobs and economic activity in African States.
EU shipowners cannot resolve the situation themselves and call upon the EU and its Member States for immediate and concrete action. Long term solutions must be found on shore; however, the security situation is such that action must be taken today.