African Navies Unite as the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium concludes with bold steps for maritime security
After three days of thought-provoking talks and strategic cooperation between naval chiefs, defense specialists, and policymakers from all over Africa and the world, the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium (SPAS) 2024 came to an end yesterday, October 17, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC). The conference, with the topic "Good Order at Sea in the African Maritime Domain," reaffirmed Africa's commitment to boosting maritime security via collaboration, ingenuity, and decisive action.
The conference, which was organized by the South African Navy, brought together delegates from landlocked and coastal African countries to discuss the future of maritime security on the continent as a whole. The occasion brought to light the common marine issues that African countries face, such as piracy, illicit fishing, smuggling, and transnational organized crime.
The Symposium concluded with the following Key Outcomes:
Strengthened Regional Collaboration: Naval leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and collaboration among African navies, including capacity building, training, maintenance, and operations. Delegates recognized the need to break down barriers to inter-naval cooperation, share maritime domain awareness information in real time, and regularly conduct joint maritime exercises.
Accelerating the Implementation of the African Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050: Participants agreed to explore practical ways to plan and execute joint maritime patrols while reinforcing information sharing among Maritime Domain Awareness Centres (MDACs). A technical working group will be established for the conceptualisation of the Combined Exclusive Maritime Zone of Africa (CEMZA) as contained in the AIMS 2050.
Commitment to the Blue Economy: Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, underscored the importance of balancing economic development with ecological preservation. The Blue Economy was identified as a key driver for Africa’s sustainable future, fostering discussions on unlocking the potential of Africa's oceans while securing its maritime interests.
Reaffirmation of Existing Frameworks: The Chiefs reaffirmed their belief in the Djibouti Code of Conduct, advising member states on the necessity of appointing qualified naval personnel to lead its implementation. They also emphasized the need to intimate the African Union regarding the importance of the United Nations impressing upon non-signatory states to the Copenhagen Declaration and the High Seas Treaty to sign and ratify these treaties to enhance maritime security.
Agreement on Sisonke: In a significant development, the Chiefs of Navies from across Africa embraced Vice Admiral Lobese’s call for unity encapsulated in the concept of Sisonke, meaning “together” in isiXhosa. This agreement underscores a collective resolve among African naval forces to enhance collaboration in addressing maritime security challenges.
Commitment to Regional Governance: The symposium called for the establishment of a Maritime Sub-Committee within the African Union to oversee the implementation of key maritime security initiatives. Additionally, a team will be established to formulate an implementation plan for the AIMS 2050, which will be presented to the Chiefs and Heads of African Navies (CHANS).
Support for the Lome Charter: Participants encouraged African states to adopt and ratify the African Charter on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa (Lome Charter).
Engagement of African Defence Industries in their Naval Acquisitions: Advocating for prioritising engagement between African Navies and African Defence Industries in naval acquisitions.
Future Engagements: It was agreed that SPAS will be convened every two years on a rotational basis, with the 6th SPAS scheduled to be held in Nigeria in May 2026.
A Call to Action
At the conclusion of the conference, Vice Admiral Lobese urged other navy chiefs to immediately return home and put the plans they had discussed into practice. "We must take immediate action and keep trying different approaches until we see a significant improvement in addressing our marine security concerns. During his last speech, he said, "We cannot fail our people in this task."
For their vital contributions to the success of SPAS 2024, the South African Navy extends its sincere gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and organizers. African maritime security will be significantly shaped by the agreements and conversations that transpired during the symposium
Signatories to the SPAS Declaration of Intent signed in Cape Town on 17 October 2024:
K. Nouredine - Chief of Naval Staff of the Algerian Navy: Major General
Valentim Alberto António - Chief of the Naval Staff of the Angolan Navy: Admiral
V. Bibonimana - Chief of the Burundi Navy: Brigadier General
J. Mendoua - Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Cameroon Navy: Rear Admiral
R. Nganongo - Chief of Staff of the Congolese Navy: Rear Admiral
Mouhamed Adel Fawzi - Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Navy: Rear Admiral
T. Ngomo - Chief of the Equatorial Guinea Navy: Rear Admiral
I.A. Yakubu - Chief of Naval Staff of the Ghanaian Navy: Rear Admiral
M.S. Shemote - Commander Kenya Navy: Brigadier General
F.B. Kakhuta-Banda - Malawi Maritime Force Commander: Major General
S.R. !Gonteb - Deputy Commander of the Namibian Navy: Rear Admiral (Junior Grade)
E.I. Ogalla - Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy: Vice Admiral
Sene - Chief of Naval Staff of Senegalese Navy: Rear Admiral
M. Lobese - Chief of the South African Navy: Vice Admiral
Babate - Chief of the Togolese Navy: Captain (Navy)
For more information or media enquiries, please contact the South African Navy Media Liaison Office on 012 339 4222.
Enquiries:
Commander Ruwayda Grootboom
(012) 339 4222
Grootboom.sanavy@gmail.com
Sanavygala11@gmail.com
