AfriCan Geopardy

In this month's episode of African Geopardy, we discussed "The strategic role of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) in advancing maritime safety and security". Our guest, Dr Paul Adalikwu, the Secretary General of MOWCA, shared his extensive knowledge and experience on the topic. During the discussion, we explored MOWCA's strategic role in addressing threats to navigation and security and its ambitious vision to become a continental organization with representation from other regions. We covered topics ranging from countering security threats to improving navigation safety in the Gulf of Guinea and effectively addressing obstacles. Whether you are interested in maritime safety and security or simply curious about efforts to enhance navigation safety, this is an episode you will not want to miss! Thanks for tuning in. #AfriCan!

Welcome to AfriCan Geopardy. In this episode, we discussed "Improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region" with Mr Hassani Ahamada Soilihi, a lawyer and maritime expert from the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). Mr. Soilihi played a key role in introducing the "Safe Seas for Africa" programme, and at the IOC, he has been instrumental in advancing IOC projects focused on oil spill response, fisheries law reform, and environmental concerns. During our discussion, we explored the complex challenges of maritime insecurity in the Western Indian Ocean region and the ongoing efforts to improve maritime domain awareness (MDA) and legal enforcement. We discussed the various constraints in this area, including issues such as over-internationalization and the duplication of responses. Additionally, we looked into the changes necessary for sustained progress, including specific actions or changes that the African Union can implement to address these issues in a new and effective way. The link below provides more information about the IOC's work to strengthen maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean Region. https://www.commissionoceanindien.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020_PolicyBrief_web_en.pdf

Tune in to the latest episode of AfriCan Georpady, where we discuss “How YARIS Contributes to Better Maritime Domain Awareness and Security in the Gulf of Guinea and Plans for the Handover of Ownership and Management System to the Region” with Mr. Sam Megwa, the Strategic Director of the EU Gulf of Guinea Interregional Network (GoGIN). In this episode, Mr Sam introduces our listeners to the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (YARIS) platform. He shares success stories and explains how the system is designed to monitor future threats such as terrorism and undersea cable threats. Most importantly, he discussed the plans for regional handover and how this can be achieved. Additionally, he covers other information-sharing tools outside the region, such as MDAT-GoG and ICC/IMB, and how they can work better with the regional centres. Happy listening, and please share youlin thoughts! To learn more about YARIS check the link below: https://yaris.site/en/yaris-platform/ The links below provide more information about how technological tools, including the YARIS system, are helping countries in the Gulf of Guinea improve maritime domain awareness and security. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X23005092 https://theconversation.com/west-africas-coast-was-a-haven-for-piracy-and-illegal-fishing-how-technology-is-changing-the-picture-222803

Welcome to African Geopardy. In this month's episode, we are discussing "Youths and Violent Extremism in West Africa" with Mr Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, a Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Practitioner and the Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE). Over the past nine years, Mutaru has worked to prevent 23 radicalised individuals from joining terrorist groups. His efforts have contributed to a deeper local understanding of radicalisation and violent extremism in West Africa. He has also empowered more than 9,600 youth and community leaders to act as peace ambassadors and build resilience against violent extremism in the region. During our discussion, we explored the link between youth unemployment and recruitment into extremist groups. We also highlighted the role of women in extremist groups. We emphasised the need for a comprehensive and gender-sensitive approach to addressing extremism, including strategies to combat violent extremism in West Africa and across the continent. Thanks for listening and sharing.

In the latest episode of AfriCan Geography, we discussed "Unlocking Nigeria's Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Growth" with Ms Kashimana Tsumba. She is a maritime lawyer specialising in resolving disputes related to charter parties, crewmen's wages, collisions, and marine insurance contracts. Ms. Tsumba advises ship owners and insurers and is actively involved in enforcement proceedings for LMAA arbitrations. Our discussion covered the opportunities inherent in Nigeria's blue economy and the legal, strategic, operational, and infrastructural challenges of harnessing its potential. Ms Tsumba also touched on what can be done differently to ensure the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria's ocean economy. Thank you for tuning in.