Within LETG, Mivy-Grady Mombo analyzed maritime governance in the Gulf of Guinea.
Mivy-Grady Mombo, chercheur·e au sein de LETG (Université de Rennes 2).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sociétés, temps, territoires (Angers).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Mivy-Grady Mombo's thesis on maritime governance in the Gulf of Guinea highlights crucial issues for the security and economic development of this region. Indeed, the Gulf of Guinea is often described as the most dangerous area in the world in terms of piracy, with acts of maritime violence threatening not only the safety of ships but also the economies of coastal states. The statistics are alarming: according to the report from the International Maritime Bureau, nearly 90% of piracy attacks in Africa occur in this area. The countries in this region, which have exclusive rights over the exploitation of their maritime resources, face governance challenges that hinder their ability to effectively manage these spaces.
The gaps in maritime risk management are alarming and deserve particular attention. Regional institutions, although present, struggle to coordinate their efforts in the face of growing threats. For example, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has established cooperation mechanisms, but these are often hindered by political divergences and lack of resources. Mombo's research highlights the inefficiency of certain governance structures and calls for a reevaluation of their role.
The creation of a maritime atlas of the Gulf of Guinea is one of the key recommendations of this thesis. This tool could serve as a basis for a better understanding of maritime dynamics and for strengthening cooperation among coastal states. Indeed, a well-designed maritime atlas could not only map high-risk areas but also identify available maritime resources, thus facilitating more integrated and sustainable management.
Regional cooperation is essential to address these challenges. States must work together to share information, coordinate actions, and develop common strategies. Piracy and kidnapping at sea are not only security issues but also obstacles to economic development. For example, shipping companies hesitate to operate in these waters due to high risks, leading to increased insurance costs and decreased foreign investment. By improving maritime governance, countries in the region could not only secure their waters but also promote sustainable management of their maritime resources.
It is imperative that decision-makers take these recommendations into account. Maritime security is an issue that transcends national borders and requires a collective approach. Investments in maritime governance are not only a matter of security but also of sustainable economic development. Indeed, better management of maritime resources could generate significant revenue for coastal states, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and improving the living conditions of local populations.
Mombo's thesis offers a roadmap for better appropriation of maritime spaces, essential for the future of the Gulf of Guinea. By integrating local actors, governments, NGOs, and the private sector into the maritime governance process, it is possible to create an inclusive and participatory framework. This could also strengthen the resilience of coastal communities in the face of environmental and economic challenges.
In summary, maritime governance in the Gulf of Guinea is a complex issue that requires a multidimensional approach. The recommendations of Mivy-Grady Mombo's thesis, if implemented, could transform this region into a model of cooperation and sustainable development. It is time to act to secure these maritime spaces and turn them into growth levers for the countries of West Africa.
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Sources et accès
Mivy-Grady Mombo. La gouvernance de la sûreté et de la sécurité maritime dans le golfe de Guinée : diagnostic et propositions pour une meilleure représentation et appropriation des espaces maritimes. Géographie. Nantes Université, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024NANU2023⟩. ⟨tel-04961292⟩