Gulf of Guinea Declaration on Suppression of Piracy

The Gulf of Guinea Declaration on Suppression of Piracy, signed in May 2021 by shipowner associations, charterers, and shipping companies, committing the industry to push for stronger naval response and prosecution against the crew-kidnapping threat off West Africa. It built pressure that led coastal states and partner navies to step up patrols and to support the Yaounde architecture, contributing to a later fall in reported incidents. The declaration is an industry instrument rather than a treaty; it complements BMP West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum.