UN backs West Africa plans to combat piracy

The UN Security Council is condemning piracy in the Gulf of Guinea off the West African coast and backing regional plans to tackle the growing problem.

This year, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has escalated from low-level armed robberies to hijackings and cargo thefts, according to the Denmark-based security firm Risk Intelligence.

A resolution adopted unanimously by the Security Council on Monday says piracy in the Gulf of Guinea threatens international navigation, security and economic development in the region.

It welcomes the intention of regional leaders to hold a summit and said they should develop a regional framework to counter piracy and armed robbery at sea that includes adopting new laws to criminalise these acts, information-sharing, and coordinating operations.—Sapa-AP