In relation to the incidence
of maritime piracy, an encouraging downward trend
may be observed off the Coast of Somalia, the Gulf of
Aden and the Western Indian Ocean. However at the
same time, the number and violence of piracy attacks
has increased in the West African Gulf of Guinea area.
To address the issue, a regional Code of Conduct on
the repression of piracy, armed robbery against ships
and other illicit activities at sea was adopted by Heads
of State from West and Central African Countries in
Yaoundé in June 2013. It is hoped that this Code of
Conduct will serve as an effective framework for its
signatory States – 22 so far – to cooperate to the fullest
possible extent in the prevention and repression of
piracy and armed robbery against ships, and related
crimes.