Maritime security and international law in Africa

摘要

Ships and those who sail in them face many potential dangers, both from the natural perils of the sea and from the results of human conduct, which demand a precautionary response from seafaring nations. The promotion of maritime security in Africa depends on an international legal framework that provides both opportunities and constraints. Traditional principles of the law of the sea are not always appropriate to current needs, but they have been supplemented by more specific measures dealing with maritime search and rescue, weapons proliferation, piracy and terrorism against ships. Although good laws are a necessary pre-condition for the achievement of maritime security, they will only be effective if there is also the political will and the practical capacity among states to implement them. While much remains to be done, recent developments in Africa provide some positive grounds for encouragement.