Improving Maritime Domain Awareness and Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region

AfriCan Geopardy

Welcome to AfriCan Geopardy. In this episode, we discussed "Improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region" with Mr Hassani Ahamada Soilihi, a lawyer and maritime expert from the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). Mr. Soilihi played a key role in introducing the "Safe Seas for Africa" programme, and at the IOC, he has been instrumental in advancing IOC projects focused on oil spill response, fisheries law reform, and environmental concerns.

During our discussion, we explored the complex challenges of maritime insecurity in the Western Indian Ocean region and the ongoing efforts to improve maritime domain awareness (MDA) and legal enforcement. We discussed the various constraints in this area, including issues such as over-internationalization and the duplication of responses. Additionally, we looked into the changes necessary for sustained progress, including specific actions or changes that the African Union can implement to address these issues in a new and effective way.

The link below provides more information about the IOC's work to strengthen maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean Region.

https://www.commissionoceanindien.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020_PolicyBrief_web_en.pdf