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By Fanta S Jalloh
The first-ever African Maritime Gender Network (AMGN) Conference, theme “Gender Considerations in Maritime Security,” was held yesterday Tuesday 14th January, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The event was hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Freetown and the Mission of Iceland to Sierra Leone.
The conference addressed critical issues, including gender-responsive strategies for combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in the Gulf of Guinea, enhancing female participation in the security sector and decision-making processes, the role of gender in international, humanitarian, and maritime law, and fostering the economic empowerment of women within the maritime industry.
This landmark event underscored the importance of inclusivity in maritime security and economic development, setting the stage for future collaborations in promoting gender equality across the maritime domain.
Speaking at the inaugural African Maritime Gender Network (AMGN) Conference, AFRICOM Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement Hon. Ambassador Robert Scott emphasized the critical role of maritime security in ensuring the sustainable development of coastal communities.
“We all share the same concern when it comes to maritime security,” Ambassador Scott remarked.
“Here in Freetown, 70% of the nation’s protein supply comes from the sea. Every fish taken illegally from these waters robs the country of its future and stunts its development.
This is why all the neighboring countries are interconnected in a vast security network aimed at protecting our seas and the resources of Sierra Leone, as well as those of all the nations represented here today.”
Ambassador Scott highlighted the broader implications of maritime security for coastal livelihoods, economic stability, and national development. “Maritime security is not just about patrolling the seas; it is a holistic approach to safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In Sierra Leone, fisheries provide 10% of jobs and contribute 15% to the nation’s GDP. If we fail to collaborate, to understand who is illegally exploiting these resources, we are failing not only ourselves but also future generations.”
He underscored the shared responsibility among African nations and international partners to address the growing threats of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“We must act collectively to combat illegal activities in our waters. Without coordinated efforts, we undermine our ability to protect these resources and, by extension, the security and prosperity of our people.”
Ambassador Scott concluded by reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in ensuring sustainable marine resource management. “Securing our seas is securing our future. By working together, we strengthen not only the security of our waters but also the economic foundations of millions who depend on them.”
Making a statement, Head of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Bryan D. Hunt emphasized the importance of safeguarding Sierra Leone’s natural resources to achieve sustainable economic development.
“We see this as a priority,” Ambassador Hunt stated. “There is no way Sierra Leone can develop economically or sustainably if it cannot protect its natural resources. That’s why the U.S. Embassy is committed to supporting capacity-building activities, working in collaboration with international partners such as Iceland, a co-sponsor of this conference, to ensure Sierra Leone receives the best possible assistance from the global community.”
Ambassador Hunt highlighted the critical role of partnerships in addressing the challenges posed by Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
He said “no country can tackle these challenges alone. Networking with other Gulf of Guinea nations to share experiences, exchange information, and pool resources is essential for Sierra Leone’s success in protecting its marine ecosystem.”
He outlined the key objectives of these efforts: empowering Sierra Leone to take decisive action against those involved in illegal fishing activities.
“At the end of the day, we aim for Sierra Leone to have the capacity to not only monitor and understand what is happening in its waters but also to actively prevent illegal activities and hold offenders accountable.
This includes implementing and enforcing penalties that are significant enough to deter such activities. Those engaging in illegal fishing must feel the consequences of their actions.”
“This is not just about protecting fish stocks; it’s about preserving the livelihoods of Sierra Leone’s coastal communities, strengthening its economy, and ensuring the sustainability of its marine resources for generations to come” he said.
The Ambassador’s remarks reinforced the U.S. commitment to fostering international cooperation and building local capacity, ensuring Sierra Leone and its neighbors can effectively manage and protect their maritime resources.

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