Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a severe threat to African economies and the food security of coastal communities. Experts warn that this crisis costs nations billions in lost revenue annually while depleting fish stocks, forcing young people toward dangerous irregular migration.
The Mombasa Declaration, adopted on June 17, 2026, marks a pivotal step in regional cooperation to tackle this issue. The agreement brings together African nations, French overseas territories, and Asian partners like South Korea.
Fourteen coastal states endorsed the Mombasa Declaration on June 17, 2026, pledging to enhance transparency in the fishing sector. Signatories include Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Cameroon, France (for its overseas territories), and South Korea. IUU fishing drains up to $50 billion globally each year. Bassirou Diarra of the Environmental Justice Foundation’s Dakar office contributed to the declaration, which also aims to curb migration pressures from African coastal regions.
The Mombasa Declaration represents a unified response to a borderless problem. IUU fishing, often carried out by foreign fleets, robs African nations of vital resources and undermines local economies. By signing the agreement, these countries acknowledge the urgent need to safeguard their waters and populations.
For Cameroon, the initiative is critical. The country’s coastline, rich in marine resources, has been heavily impacted by IUU fishing. Local communities, dependent on fishing for survival, face growing threats to their livelihoods, fueling migration toward uncertain futures, including Europe.
The inclusion of partners like France and South Korea signals a commitment to international collaboration. However, implementing the promised measures—particularly in surveillance and enforcing penalties—will be a significant challenge.
For Cameroon and other signatories, the declaration could mark a turning point in fisheries management. Greater transparency and cooperation may help recover billions in lost economic revenue.
Socially, combating illegal fishing could ease migration pressures by creating economic alternatives for coastal youth. Success, however, hinges on governments’ ability to develop local policies and strengthen maritime monitoring.
The Mombasa Declaration is a crucial step toward sustainable and equitable fisheries management in Africa. If followed by concrete action, it could stabilize local economies and secure a brighter future for coastal communities—though tangible results remain to be seen.
