The West Africa region is beset by numerous security challenges. Some of the most pressing security issues in the region take place in and around the maritime environment of the Gulf of Guinea, a vital space for the economic development of a vast region. Unless adequately addressed, at-sea security challenges such as piracy and other criminal activities will remain obstacles to the future prosperity of millions in the West Africa region. The conference will explore these issues as part of the West Africa Peace and Security Network (WAPSN) project.
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Venue: University of Portsmouth, Park Building, Room 2.01

Wednesday 9 March 2016, 14.00 to 17.30
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Programme
14.00: Introduction by Professor Tony Chafer, director of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR).

14.10: Presentation on the Gulf of Guinea and its security challenges by the Chair Rear Admiral Nick Lambert (Catapult Project’s Maritime Domain Expert)

Panel 1
14.30: Dr. Christian Bueger (University of Cardiff): Maritime Security and the Blue Economy – understanding the link.
14.55: Peter Cook (Security Association for the Maritime Industry, SAMI): Will a private maritime security model work in the Gulf of Guinea?
15.20: Q&A

15.40: Break, Coffee (20 min).

Panel 2
16.00: Dr. Karen Sumser-Lumpson (African Maritime Safety and Security Agency, AMSSA): The IGAD integrated maritime strategy – a framework for Africa
16.25: HE. Ambassador Johnson (Embassy of the Republic of Togo): The objectives of the 2016 African Union Lomé Conference on maritime security, safety and development in Africa.
16.50: Q&A

17.10: Conclusions: Rear Admiral Nick Lambert and Professor Tony Chafer.
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For more details please contact Sophie Quintin Adali, CEISR PhD researcher and Maritime Security Cluster Coordinator for the West Africa Peace and Security Network.
sophie.quintin-adali@port.ac.uk