A tale of two regions – comparative analysis of maritime security in East and West Africa

The maritime environment in general and maritime security in particular have often been neglected in Africa. In recent years, there has been a new focus on maritime issues but the academic literature on the subject is largely related to counter-piracy operations in East Africa and, to some degree, West Africa. Problems related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing have also begun to attract attention but have rarely been put in the context of maritime security. Moreover, the focus of many academic publications has been on issues important to the international community rather than actors in Africa itself. This thesis is therefore an essential addition to the academic discourse. It underlines the economic potential of the maritime environment with key examples (offshore oil and gas production, maritime trade and fishing activities). Moreover, the thesis highlights that the economic potential is different on the national level. Solutions to improve maritime security will therefore have to be found by national governments first. Nevertheless, cooperation with neighbouring countries is necessary since a lack of maritime security is by definition a transnational problem. Throughout this thesis, the involvement of different actors in the provision of maritime security is analysed, comparing and contrasting East and West Africa. These actors range from international governments to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private security companies. In both regions, international actors generally get involved based on their own priorities rather than those of regional governments. NGOs and the private sector can be valuable partners but a lack of transparency may cause problems. Comprehensive maritime strategies – including, but not limited to, maritime security – are therefore vital on the national level. These strategies are the foundation for regional cooperation and for maritime business plans that aim at reaping the benefits of the ‘blue economy’, increasingly recognised in East and West Africa