A atuação do poder naval brasileiro no combate à pirataria no Golfo da Guiné

Abstract

The Gulf of Guinea has acquired an increasing strategic importance due to the availability of the recent discovery of good quality oil and new consumer markets to be explored. Many of the countries bordering the Gulf becameda State during the second half of the 20th century and still face great challenges to be overcome, such as political instability and low human development index, which constitute serious obstacles to the further development of these countries. In view of the above, crimes such as piracy have had the opportunity to develop in that region, causing maritime insecurity and, consequently, disruptions to world maritime trade. In this way, the international community realized the need for cooperation with states in the region in order to establish and maintain maritime security. The United Nations Security Council issued resolutions condemning piracy crimes in the Gulf of Guinea and encouraged international cooperation to support initiatives for maritime security in that region. This fact prompted African states to develop a strategy for maritime security and the development of actions to combat crimes at sea.Brazil is interested in expanding its role in international forums, wants economic growth with the expansion of new markets for national companies and wants to guarantee security in its strategic area. Therefore, cooperation, through initiatives that develop the capabilities of the Gulf of Guinea States to guarantee the security of their maritime domains, contributes to Brazilian interests. The Brazilian Naval Power, represented by its Navy, is already active in cooperation for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and can be a valuable instrument to facilitate the achievement of these interests