In this February episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "State Action At Sea in Cote d'Ivoire: Success Stories and Opportunities for Improvement" with Mr Abroulaye Fofana, the Permanent Secretary of the Inter-ministerial Committee for State Action at Sea, SEPCIM-AEM. Mr. Fofana, under the authority of the Prime Minister, oversees the coordination of missions for about fifteen agencies, both civilian and military, operating or having an interest at sea.

During the discussion, we discussed the institutions implementing State Action at Sea, their successes, opportunities for improvement, and much more. Happy listening!

In the January episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss what it means to holistically address maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea with Senior Captain Charles Bamele, the Operational Coordination Director for State Action at Sea, Cote d'Ivoire. Additionally, we explore the successes and challenges of the Yaounde Architecture since the signing of the Yaounde Agreement in 2013 with Navy Capt. Atonfack Guemo, the technical adviser to the Minister of Defence, the Head of the Communication Division, and the spokesperson for the Cameroonian Armed Forces.

Enjoy!

In this December episode of AfriCan Geopardy, I take a moment to reflect on our journey throughout 2023 and share our aspirations for the upcoming year, 2024.

I want to express my gratitude to all our incredible listeners who have been an integral part of the AfriCan Geopardy family. Your ongoing support and engagement have been truly invaluable. Thank you!

In this episode of African Geopardy, we delve into "Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea: Making a Case for the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF)" with our esteemed guest, Captain Mohammad Saghir Shettima. Captain Shettima, a distinguished officer in the Nigerian Navy, serves as the Commanding Officer for FOB Igbokoda and is a seasoned maritime security consultant. If you're unfamiliar with the CMTF concept and wish to gain a clearer understanding, especially in the context of drawing insights from the multinational joint task force combating insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, then don't miss this episode. You may have wondered how the CMTF would work when the provisions of the Yaounde Agreement have not been fully implemented; we've got you covered. Just press play and hear Captain Shettima share his valuable insights.

Welcome to AfriCan Geopardy! In this episode, we delve into "Harnessing the Blue Economy opportunities in Africa" with our guest, Ambassador Nancy Karigithu. She brings a wealth of expertise as Kenya's Special Envoy and Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy. Ambassador Karigithu previously served as the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. She holds the Advisor on Blue Economy position in the President's Executive office.

While the Blue Economy presents significant opportunities for Africa, particularly in shipping and maritime transport, it also presents challenges. Join us as Ambassador Karigithu shares insights and outlines a path forward. Happy listen and have a great month ahead.

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "Strengthening Regional Maritime Security in a phase of Competing Geopolitical Interests" with Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, a highly accomplished executive director with extensive expertise in maritime law, security, and international relations. Dr Ali, who holds a PhD and the rank of Navy Captain (Retired), is currently the Executive Director of the Centre for Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS Africa) and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Professional Studies Accra.

Our discussion touches upon various aspects that directly relate to the current realities in the Gulf of Guinea. We explore the regional and international dynamics and consider the necessary steps for achieving positive change.

Enjoy!

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explore the path to a more secure and prosperous future for the Gulf of Guinea countries by discussing "Improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea" with the remarkable Ambassador Florentina Ukonga.

As a distinguished career diplomat, Ambassador Florentina Adenike Ukonga (MFR) brings a wealth of experience. She served as the Executive Secretary of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) from June 2015 to April 2023. Before that, she was Deputy Executive Secretary-Political Affairs at the GGC from May 2007 to May 2015. But her expertise doesn't stop there! Before her tenure at the GGC, she was the Under-Secretary for African Affairs in Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseeing crucial relations with African nations and inter-governmental organizations from April 2004 to November 2006. During our discussion, Ambassador Ukonga sheds light on the threats to maritime security, their drivers and impact and the remarkable progress thus far. That's not all – she reveals the key roles that national and regional governments and international partners can play in ensuring the region's lasting security and sustainable development.

Thanks for listening.

"Fisheries closed season in Ghana, what is it and how does it affect fisherfolk?"

In our newest episode, we delve into the important topic of the fisheries closed season in Ghana and its implications for fisherfolk. Today (1st of July), as Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire commence their closed season for artisanal and industrial fisheries, we are thrilled to feature Mr Nana Kweigyah as our guest. Mr Nana Kweigyah is the current National President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG), representing canoe and gear owners in Ghana's four coastal regions. With a background as a small-scale fisher and a graduate of the University of Cape Coast, Nana Kweigyah has devoted his life to advocating for the active involvement of fishers, particularly canoe owners, women, and youth, in fisheries governance and management. During our discussion, we explore the reasons behind implementing the fisheries closed season, assess its limitations and impacts, and offer recommendations for alternative approaches. We emphasise the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and ensuring equity and justice in fisheries management to prevent fisherfolk from being further marginalised and vulnerable to criminal networks.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of the fisheries closed season in Ghana and its effects on the lives of fisherfolk.

In this month's thrilling episode of African Geopardy, we discussed "Climate Crossroads: Unraveling the Connection between Irregular Migration and Climate Change in Africa." with the incredible Ambassador Dr Namira Negm, the First Director of the African Migration Observatory. She is at the forefront of harmonising national strategies and equipping African states with comprehensive knowledge of migration through data collection and analysis.

Prepare to be captivated as we explore the fascinating connection between climate change and internal and external migration. We dive deep into the actions taken by the African Union and its partners while also exploring approaches that can avert the impending impact of climate change on migration.

Have a great day and weeks ahead.

Welcome to African Geopardy. In this episode, we discuss the "Current trends in human trafficking and red flags" with Prof. Waziri-Azi, Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi is a Nigerian academic, lawyer, and human rights activist with a PhD in Law from the University of Pittsburgh. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of human trafficking. Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, the DG of NAPTIP, sheds light on the current trends and shocking statistics that will leave you speechless. We also discuss the concept of "Japa" and how people fall victim to human trafficking in the quest for "Japa". You'll learn how traffickers use various tactics to lure victims and the red flags to watch out for to stay safe. Prof Waziri-Azi provides practical tips to help you avoid falling victim and what to do if you suspect someone may be a victim of trafficking.

Don't miss this informative and eye-opening episode.

Ps:

Apologies for the low-quality audio recording from our end; this was due to a poor internet connection