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In this interview, we delve into the heart of maritime safety issues in Africa with Mr. Ahamada Soilihi Hassani, International Maritime Lawyer and Maritime Security Expert at the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) – based in Mauritius. With extensive experience in the security sector, Mr. Hassani shares his enlightening perspectives on regional challenges, the engaging projects he has led, and his ongoing commitment to international collaboration. The exchange — which occurred on the margins of the Africa Center’s recent maritime program in Tanzania — also highlighted the essential role of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in building capacity and promoting diversity of thought within the maritime sector.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing security concerns for the African continent, both today and in the future?
Mr. Ahamada Soilihi Hassani (ASH): Thank you very much. I would like to expand on the exchanges we had at this Africa Center program. Although regional threats are broadly similar, it is worth noting that priorities vary between island and mainland countries. The maritime challenges we face, such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, and pollution, transcend borders and have a huge impact on the whole region.
A close look at the discussions with representatives of island countries reveals some important nuances compared with those of mainland countries. These differences underline the need to develop approaches adapted to each context while maintaining a common vision to meet shared challenges. The exchanges revealed distinct dynamics, highlighting the unique aspects of maritime threats that require special attention.
It is undeniable that the most affected populations require urgent collaboration to deal with these threats. A concerted and coordinated approach, involving enhanced cooperation between our nations, is essential if we are to develop effective and lasting solutions. By joining forces, we can better respond to the complex and varied challenges affecting our respective regions, ensuring the safety and sustainability of our shared maritime spaces.
Have you been involved in any projects that you would like to highlight?
ASH: I am involved in a variety of projects, but for the past 12 years I have been focusing on projects related to maritime safety and security. These projects have played a key role in raising awareness at the national and international levels. They also enabled us to convince our regional and international partners of our commitment. This approach dates back to the emergence of piracy in 2009, through a project implemented in collaboration with the IOC and African organizations.
We have worked closely with organizations such as IGAD, EAC, COMESA and IOC. Thanks to these partnerships, we have been able to put in place effective mechanisms to tackle security challenges. A concrete example is the COMESA initiative, which has set up a mechanism to combat money laundering. In addition, we have developed programs similar to those done by EAC, which has facilitated the training of countries in the legal aspects of prosecuting apprehended young pirates. The IOC and other countries have also set up a regional maritime safety mechanism known as the Regional Maritime Safety Architecture. This has led to the creation of national and regional centers1 2, facilitating close collaboration with the Djibouti Code of Conduct. It should be noted that the 2009 anti-piracy convention was strengthened in 2017 by the Jeddah amendments, taking into account all maritime crimes.
At the national level, we support countries in organizing their efforts, with the launch of maritime safety strategies currently being finalized. The national centers, being multi-institutional, bring together different entities for more effective collaboration, acting as a unified directorate for State Action at Sea.
In addition, cooperation between countries in the region is crucial. Thanks to the liaison officers present in regional centers, we have established an essential dialogue with all members, overcoming the challenges of identifying relevant contacts. This enhanced cooperation makes a major contribution to maritime control, stability, and to maritime safety in the region.
What can the Africa Center do to support you further?
ASH: Personally, this is my fourth participation in an Africa Center program. In 2010, I was here in Dar es Salaam as an Africa Center participant. Later, I was invited as a panelist to a seminar on maritime safety in Cameroon. The Africa Center also gave us the opportunity to organize a similar conference in the Seychelles in 2018, where I was based at the time. The aim of the conference was to compare our efforts with other initiatives we were carrying out in the Gulf of Guinea and the Southwest Indian Ocean.
And today, we are gathered once again for this new conference. What are the benefits of the Africa Center? It offers a multitude of opportunities, in particular, capacity building, lessons learned and, above all, exchanges of experience. Thanks to their training, the Africa Center can guide us towards international partners. I discussed this with Dr. Malaquias, the Dean, who encouraged us to formalize our efforts and seize the opportunities offered by the Africa Center.
What is your opinion of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies’ commitment to promoting diversity of thought among its participants while seeking to hit a target of 30% female participation in its programs? How do you think this initiative has changed the dynamics of programs?
ASH: Indeed, a notable change has taken place over time. I have seen a significant evolution since my first program. The growing presence of women interested in the maritime field is a clear sign of the improvements brought about by the Africa Center’s policy.
This transformation reflects not only an increased opening up of opportunities for women in the maritime sector, but also a recognition of their skills and value within the security sector.
It is encouraging to see that efforts to encourage female participation in the maritime sector are bearing fruit, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment. This demonstrates the Africa Center’s ability to evolve with society’s changing needs and promote an organizational culture that values diversity and inclusion.
It is essential to pursue these initiatives to further strengthen diversity and equity within the organization, creating an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation.
Any last thoughts?
ASH: From where we left off, I remain optimistic that things will change a lot. There is a strong political will and commitment on the part of the international community to maritime safety and security. The Africa Center’s ongoing and consistent support is tangible proof of this. Nonetheless, the threats increase and there is a need to reinforce cooperation and collaboration as one state cannot cope with them alone. It is only by pooling our efforts that we will be able to combat maritime crime in all its forms. Thank you very much.