Who we are
The Centre for Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS Africa) is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organisation that seeks to promote ocean governance and maritime security in Africa.
What we do
CEMLAWS Africa combines research expertise, policy understanding and practical insight in delivering responses to maritime issues. We appreciate the shared nature of the ocean environment and the corresponding inclusive and conterminous interests in the maritime domain. We are well positioned to provide policy advice and capacity building as well as partner with stakeholders at all levels in enhancing maritime governance in the continent.
Thematic Areas
Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea
Global responses to piracy off the coast of Somalia have led to significant development in both international and domestic law on piracy. In sum, this has led to what is now known as the law approach to piracy – investigation, building of evidence and prosecution. This component of anti-piracy measures is still ongoing in the Indian Ocean and part of the scope of research and review of CEMLAWS.
Significantly, however, the Gulf of Guinea presents a cobweb of jurisdictional issues and challenges that the Somali experience does not answer. CEMLAWS unique understanding of the anatomy of Gulf of Guinea Piracy and the corresponding legal challenges is vital to building effective global, regional and national law enforcement approach to piracy in the Gulf of Guinea context.
Sustainable Fisheries
While it is common to only focus on IUU Fishing (Illegal Unreported Unregulated fishing), CEMLAWS looks at broader governance, economic and political dynamics that impact on sustainable fisheries in Africa. We believe that it is within this broader scoping that IUU Fishing which is estimated to be causing Africa billions of dollars in loses can be effectively addressed.
While it is common to only focus on IUU Fishing (Illegal Unreported Unregulated fishing), CEMLAWS looks at broader governance, economic and political dynamics that impact on sustainable fisheries in Africa. We believe that it is within this broader scoping that IUU Fishing which is estimated to be causing Africa billions of dollars in loses can be effectively addressed.
Offshore Infrastructure: Implications for Maritime Safety and Security
The budding offshore oil industry of the Gulf of Guinea is critical to global energy security. Offshore Gulf of Guinea has brought not only added reserves and quality of supplies but also logistical and transportation advantages. However, these positive elements are being challenged by the increasing security threats and instability in the region. CEMLAWS work in energy security is anchored on the understanding that maritime security is a continuum of the land through the sea front into the oceans. Thus, what we do in the area of energy security is analyzing and defining threat indicators as well as appropriate responses in the land-sea spectrum.
Transnational Organised Crime (TOC)
A thorough examination of TOC requires the use of broad-based analytical lenses, especially since there are several interlinkages between TOC and a number of other ocean governance/maritime security threats. CEMLAWS Africa’s work in the area involves an exploration of the varying elements of TOC at sea, and how the interplay of these elements ultimately impact differing facets of maritime security, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.