The United States and Gabon co-hosted the 2020 plenary meeting of the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG). While the Covid-19 pandemic prevented us from meeting in person in Libreville, Gabon, as originally scheduled, this virtual platform allowed us a powerful way to connect and maintain momentum on the important work of the FoGG to support efforts in West and Central Africa to improve maritime security.
This three-day plenary sought to give structure to the G7++FoGG and the Virtual Working Groups to give all members a dedicated forum to identify and work cooperatively on issues that affect the functioning and advancement of the Yaoundé Architecture.
On the first day, senior leaders from the United States, Gabon, and key regional and international organizations offered their perspectives on the main challenges to maritime security and reaffirmed their support for the Yaoundé Architecture.
On the second day, presenters focused on specific aspects of an identified challenge, offering the FoGG membership a common lens with which to view the issue, and providing the virtual working groups a starting point to take a deeper look at the issues throughout the year ahead.
On the final day, we delved into the initiatives offered to address the region’s maritime challenges.