Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa

Final Report of The 5th Session of the Bureau of Ministers Meeting, held in Luanda-Angola from 27- 28 July 2006

Urges the General Assembly to consider the above proposition and to invite the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Host country of the Organisation, to become member of Bureau;

Requests the Secretary General to take the necessary action in collaboration with the Current Chairman for the implementation of the decision.

5.6.2.. MOWCA Representation at IMO

The Bureau of Ministers noted the annual report of the activities carried out by the joint Permanent Representation during 2005. The Bureau of Ministers also appreciated the note from the Secretary General highlighting the definition of the Guidelines for the operation of the joint Permanent Representation of MOWCA at IMO, to be approved by the 5th Meeting of the Bureau of MOWCA as directly requested by this forum, during its 4th meeting, for a guiding document to be prepared.
To this effect, it is important to recall the Decision nº02/05 of the 4th Bureau, which states that the establishment of an autonomous MOWCA Representation at IMO can only take place when the Regional Maritime Fund is fully implemented.
The Bureau of Ministers, after having discussed it, recognized that in order to facilitate the planning and provision of the minimum resources needed for the functioning of the joint Permanent Representation, by the Member State in charge of carrying out this responsibility, it is important to define a minimum budget specifically dedicated for the joint MOWCA Permanent Representation.

The Bureau of Ministers expressed it high appreciation to the Republic of Angola for the MOWCA Representation at IMO and congratulated the Representative for his availability and efforts made.

The Bureau of Ministers encouraged the Secretary General to pursue the implementation of MOWCA Permanent Representation at IMO with the logistic support of members States

Decision N° 18/06 relating to MOWCA representation at IMO

The Bureau of Ministers:

Reaffirms the need for a permanent representation of MOWCA at IMO and congratulates Angola for its assistance;

Takes note of the 2005 annual activity report of the joint Permanent Representative and approves the guidelines mentioned in item (iii) below;;

Until the full implementation of the Regional Maritime Fund, the joint Permanent Representation of MOWCA at IMO will be carried out directly by one or more MOWCA Member States according to the following guide lines:

The joint Permanent Representation must be in constant contact with the MOWCA Secretariat and with the MOWCA Member States

For this reason, Focal Points should be appointed by each MOWCA Member State and their addresses (telephone, cell., fax, email), be provided to the joint Permanent Representation

The Focal Points will be the persons in charge of linking the national expertise with the joint Permanent Representation and ensure the technical support and advise that the joint Permanent Representative may need to enhance the participation of the sub-region at IMO work and meetings.

All MOWCA Member States are expected to create enough capacity in the field of the electronic communications, for their Focal Points to be able to timely and easily download all relevant IMO documents and to be in permanent contact with IMO and with MOWCA Permanent Representation at IMO

The Member State in charge of the joint Permanent Representation should ensure a minimum annual budget dedicated to fund the specific operations of the joint Representation of MOWCA at IMO, especially those related to the establishment of an efficient communication system with the Focal Points appointed by the Member States and necessary

Could take other necessary actions as the Bureau may deem appropriate.

5.6.3. Africa Maritime Advisory Group (Amag)

The bureau of Ministers took note of the information presented by the Permanent Representation of MOWCA at IMO on the establishment, in May 2005, at IMO, of an informal voluntary structure known as Africa Maritime Advisory Group - AMAG, and which is constituted by the Permanent Representatives of African IMO Member States plus the head of delegations of African members States to the IMO meetings.

The Bureau of Ministers recognised the interest of the Africa Maritime Advisory Group in order to ensure a coordinated action of the African States at IMO.

Decision N° 19/06 relating to Africa Maritime Advisory Group (AMAG)

The Bureau of Ministers:

Appreciates the effort made by the Permanent Representatives of Africa Member States at IMO in order to coordinate the enhancement of capacity for effective participation of Africa Member States at IMO

Recognizes the need for co-ordination of the participation of Africa Member States at the IMO meetings through a central body, based in London and driven by the African Permanent Representatives at IMO in close coordination with the relevant regional and sub-regional institutions, and therefore,

Supports the future statute of AMAG,

Directs the Secretariat and the Committee of experts to fully support the AMAG activity along with the above guidelines, or other guidelines as the Bureau may deem appropriate.

Item 5.7.: ISSUES RELATED TO THE SPECIALISED ORGANS

5.7.1. Report of the Secretary General of PMAWCA

The Bureau of Ministers takes note of the report of the Secretary General of Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).

The statement by the Secretary General of PMWCA highlighted the following:

the development in port activities;
increase in traffic by 74 %
important increase in container traffic
important developments thanks to the entrance of private operators in the West and Central African Ports:
acquisition of equipments
infrastructure development mainly through BOT
administrative changes as ports turn into landlord port although the restructuring while commercial activities are handed over to private operators.

Main issues facing in Ports are:

Transit time and cost
Congestion in some ports
High congestion and security taxes:

In that framework PMAWCA has defined a new vision and aims at being a center of excellence promoting regional integration and contributing actively to African economic development. New objectives relating to the new vision were defined.

Thus PMAWCA opened to new membership:

Hinterland countries (Niger & Burkina Faso joined the Association)
National maritime Authorities (Nigerian Maritime Authority)
Port Operators
Ports from other regions (such as Port of le Havre, Port of Las Palmas)

The Secretariat signed cooperation agreements with important institutions:

IHB (International Hydrographic Bureau)
UAR (Union of African Railways)
APA (Arab Port Association)
IPA (Indian Port Association)

The new vision also calling for a new image, PMAWCA is working on a new logo and a motto. Some promotional activities are scheduled in Asia and India

After the presentation by the Secretary General of PMAWCA, the meeting encouraged this Specialised Organ for having open its activities to sub-regional operators and foreign private operators.

However, the meeting recommended to PMWCA to undertake its actions in close cooperation and in synergy with the General Secretary of MOWCA and the other Specialised Organs, protecting the interest of shippers and sub-regional maritime economy

5.7.2. Report of the Secretary General of UASC

The Bureau of Minister took note of the activity report of the Union of African Shippers’ Council (UASC) that is still experiencing difficulties due to the low level of financial resources.

The Bureau of Ministers also took note of the resumption of the National Shippers’ Council of Cameroon; that should be an important support for UASC.

Decision N° 20/06 relating to the UASC

The Bureau of Ministers:

Congratulates the Government of the Republic of Cameroon for the efforts made that permitted UASC to carry on doing its activities

Congratulates the Secretary General of UASC for the efforts accomplished and encourage him to pursue his initiative aimed at making UASC more dynamics

Encourages the Government of the Republic of Cameroon to keep supporting the Secretary General of UASC in providing him with good working conditions

Congratulates the Secretary General of MOWCA and encourage him to continue his support in favour of the Secretary General of UASC

Invites the member States and their shippers’ Councils to assist UASC and do their best to ensure it an adequate functioning

Invites the Secretary General of UASC to keep conducting motivation actions towards the member States and National Shippers’ Councils to enhance the capacity of the Union.

5.7.3. Report of the President of the Association of African Shipping Lines (3A)

The Bureau of Minister took note of the report of the President of 3A read by his Representative. It arises from this report that in line of Resolution No 188/11/01 of MOWCA adopted in June 2001, the Association of African Shipping Lines was established during its meeting held in Abidjan from 16th to 18th October 2001.

The representatives of maritime Administrations, ports, shippers’ councils, national shipping lines of the following countries participated in the works of the meeting: Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea and Niger.

The following shipping lines were represented: CAMSHIP, COBENAM, CNI, ECOMARINE, SATOMAR, SMC/TRANSLO, SNG and SOCOTRAM

Also represented were: the Union of African Shippers’ Council (UASC), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). The International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

At the end of the meeting, the executive bureau of the Association has been elected with the following structure:

President: COBENAM
Vice-President: SMC/TRANSLO
Secretary General: CAMSHIP
Auditors: a shipping line from Angola

The Association adopted a Statute and Rules of Procedure.

However, despite two meetings held in Douala in November 2002 and February 2003, the Association is experiencing difficulties due to lack of resources because the member States are reluctant to pay their contributions.

After the report of the Representative of 3A, the Bureau of Ministers exchanged views to highlight the necessity and urgency of deep reflections aimed at finding a strategy of redeployment of the maritime industry in the sub-region.

Decision N° 21/06 relating to the Association of African Shipping Lines (3A)

The Bureau of Ministers:

Invites the member shipping lines of 3A to do their best to re-launch the Association’s activities;

Invites the Secretary General of MOWCA to take necessary initiatives to make the Association more dynamic;

Invites the Secretary General, with the assistance of the member States, other sub-regional organisations, Specialised organs and Maritime Academies, to take necessary initiatives aimed at the elaboration and implementation of a strategy of the maritime industry’s redeployment in the sub-region.

Invites the General Secretary of MOWCA and UASC and the Chairman of 3A to audit on all cabotage shipping companies in sub-region

Item 5.8.: ISSUES RELATED TO THE ACADEMIES

The Bureau of Ministers took note of the Activity reports of the Heads of the Maritime Academies of Abidjan, Accra and Oron highlighting problems encountered.

The Responsible of Maritime Academies made proposals on cooperation in the area of training equipment. They called for the support of MOWCA regular contribution by the member States for efficient running of the Academies.

Decision N° 22/06 on issues relating to the Maritime Academies

The Bureau of Ministers:

Appreciates the efforts made by the Heads of the Academies and encourage them to pursue their initiatives as far as cooperation and educational, administrative and financial reform are concerned.

Invites in particular, the Director General of the Academy of Abidjan in relation with MOWCA General Secretariat to undertake the necessary initiatives for the holding of the Academy Board of Governors as soon as possible and to search for funding from maritime countries and organisations.

Urges member States to support the running of Academies by paying their contributions to the budget of the Academies

Invites member States and Maritime Academies to support the Secretary General of MOWCA in his efforts to get Development Partners, particularly the Republic of Korea to provide assistance for a training vessel

Item 5.9.: COOPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

The Bureau of Ministers took note of the state of cooperation with international organisations and development partners.

Decision N° 23/06 relating on cooperation with international organisations and other development partners

The Bureau of Ministers:

Takes note of the state of cooperation with the International Organisations and Development Partners

Appreciates efforts made by the Secretary General in the establishment of cooperation with International Organisations and Development Partners

Congratulates and encourage International Organisations and Development Partners to continue with their assistance for the implementation of sub-regional projects and programs of MOWCA

Item 5.10.: VENUE AND DATE OF THE 13TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY/30TH ANNIVERSARY

Following the decision of the Bureau of Ministers at its 4th Session, the Republic of Senegal has confirmed its availability to host the 13th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly of Ministers in Dakar from23 to 27 October 2006.

Decision n° 24/06 relating on the venue and date of the 13th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly/30th Anniversary

The Bureau of Ministers:

Appreciates the availability of the Republic of Senegal to host the 13th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly/30th Anniversary in Dakar, from 23 to 27 October 2006 jointly with the MOWCA/IMO meeting on Integrated sub-regional Coast Guard Network;.

Invites member States, Maritime Academies and Specialised Organs of MOWCA to make necessary arrangements towards their effective participation in this session.

Item 5.11: DRAFT AGENDA OF THE 13TH ORINARY SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY/30TH ANNIVERSARY

Decision n° 25/06 relating to the draft Agenda of the 13th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly/30th Anniversary

The Bureau of Ministers approves the draft agenda of the 13th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly of Ministers of MOWCA propose by the Secretary General under the document MOWCA/XIII/AG-06/1

Item 6: ANY OTHER BUSINESS

No other points were raised under this agenda item.

Item 7: EXAMINATION AND ADOPTION OF DRAFT ANNOTATED AGENDA OF THE MEETING OF MOWCA COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS

At the end of work, the Bureau of Ministers adopted the report.

CLOSING CEREMONY

The Bureau of Ministers, at the end of work, proceeded to the closing ceremony of the session.

On this occasion the Bureau of Ministers followed with great interest the reading of the Communique and the vote of thanks to the Head of States, His Excellency José Eduardo dos Santos, to the Government of the Republic of Angola and to the current Chairman of MOWCA, His Excellency André Luis Brandao, Minister of Transport for his remarkable contribution in his capacity of Chairman of the Organisation.

Finally, the Bureau of Ministers followed with a great interest, the closing statement of Chairman of the Organisation, His Excellency André Luis Brandao, who, once more, congratulated all the delegations for their significant contribution to the work and renewed his appeal to the members States for their effective support the accomplishment of the Organisation’s objectives.

Done in Luanda 28 July 2006

RAPPORTEURH.E. Muhammed Habibu Aliyu
Minister of Transport
Federal Ministry of Transport
Federal Republic of Nigeria

CHAIRMANS.E. Andre Luis Brandao
Minister of TransportRepublic of Angola

VOTE 1

SPECIAL VOTE OF THANKS TO HIS EXCELLENCY JOSE EDOURDO DOS SANTOS, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA, HEAD OF STATE

The 5th Session of the Bureau of Ministers of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) hosted in Luanda, Republic of Angola from 27 to 28 July 2006-07-28

Renews its deep appreciation to His Excellency JOSE EDOURDO DOS SANTOS, President of the Republic of Angola, Head of State, for his sustained support to the MOWCA in the strengthening of cooperation in the our Sub-region for a complete implementation of the Organization’s Projects and Programs;

Seizes this opportunity to express in a solemn way its appreciation and sincere thanks to HE for the quality of reception reserved for all the delegations as well as for the exceptional conditions that ensured a good occurrence of works and positive results obtained.

Luanda 28 July 2006

5TH Session of the Bureau of Ministers

VOTE 2

VOTE OF THANKS TO HIS EXCELLENCY ANDRE LUIS BRANMDA, MINISTER OF TRANSPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA, CHAIRMAN OF THE 12TH MOWCA

The 5th Session of the Bureau of Ministers of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) hosted in Luanda, Republic of Angola from 27 to 28 July 2006:

Considering the exemplary commitment and effectiveness by which His Excellency ANDRE LUIS BRANDAO Minister of Transport of the Republic of Angola fulfilled his mandate as Chairman of the 12th MOWCA since October 2003;

Considering to this respect, the important sacrifices done by the Republic of Angola in giving their impeccable support to the MOWCA´s Secretariat and the complete implementation of the Organization’s objectives;

Expressing our deep appreciation and sincerely thanking H.E. for his availability and exceptional actions in the function of head of the Organization;

Expressing also our deep appreciations for the fraternal reception that was reserved every delegation and the perfect organization of the Session’s workings

Luanda 28 July 2006

5th Session of the Bureau of Ministers

VOTE 3

SPECIAL VOTE OF THANKS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA

The 5th Session of the Bureau of Ministers of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) hosted in Luanda, Republic of Angola from 27 to 28 July 2006

Considering the fraternal reception reserved for every delegation as well as the opportunities which were given to them and the many marks of attention that they enjoyed during their stay in the Republic of Angola;

Considering particularly the perfect organization of the Session, and all the remarkable conditions offered which greatly contributed for a successful occurrence of workings;

Expresses on behalf of every delegation, its warm appreciation and sincere thanks to the government and the people of Angola

Luanda 28 July 2006

5th Session of the Bureau of Ministers