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Research Article

Maritime Security
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Information Sharing Architectures and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct: Progress and Gaps

Cdr. Patricia Nyarko

Ghana Navy, Information Fusion Centre

Capt. Ibrahim Diallo

Regional Maritime University

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Abstract

This article assesses progress in maritime information-sharing across Gulf of Guinea states under the Yaoundé Architecture, identifying which regional centres are receiving consistent reporting and where gaps remain, and offers recommendations for closing them.

Keywords —information sharing;Yaoundé Architecture;maritime domain awareness;regional cooperation

Cite This Article

Nyarko, P., & Diallo, I. (2025). Information Sharing Architectures and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct: Progress and Gaps. Gulf Spectrum Journal, 1(1).

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Introduction

The Yaoundé Architecture established a network of regional and zonal maritime information-sharing centres. A decade on, reporting consistency varies significantly across member states and zones.

Reporting Consistency Across Zones

Drawing on centre-level reporting data, this section identifies zones with strong reporting discipline and those where reporting has lapsed, along with plausible institutional and resourcing explanations for the gap.

Closing the Gaps

We recommend standardized minimum reporting requirements tied to continued regional and international funding eligibility, alongside shared technical infrastructure to lower the reporting burden on smaller navies.

Conclusion

The Yaoundé Architecture's information-sharing promise is only partly realized. Consistent reporting, not additional centres, is the priority for the next phase of regional maritime domain awareness.

References

  1. Interregional Coordination Centre. (2023). Annual Report on Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea.
  2. Nyarko, P. (2021). Information Fusion in West African Maritime Security. Gulf Review.

About the Authors

Cdr. Patricia Nyarko

Ghana Navy, Information Fusion Centre

Cdr. Nyarko works on maritime information-sharing systems, including the Yaoundé Architecture for regional coordination.

Capt. Ibrahim Diallo

Regional Maritime University

Capt. Diallo is a member of the journal's editorial board and researches regional information-sharing architectures for maritime security.