Senate Authorizes President to Ratify WTO Fishing Subsidies Agreement

On July 6, the Senate approved a law allowing President Paul Biya to ratify the WTO Agreement on Fishing Subsidies. The session, held at the Yaoundé Congress Hall, was led by Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji and saw the participation of Commerce Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana.

Previously approved by the National Assembly on June 21, this law integrates the June 17, 2022, agreement on fishing subsidies into the WTO’s foundational Marrakech Agreement. The agreement specifically targets subsidies related to maritime fishing and associated activities, prohibiting financial support to vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

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For Cameroon, this ratification brings several advantages. It aims to curtail the activities of foreign industrial vessels accused of plundering Cameroon’s territorial waters by banning their subsidies. Additionally, Cameroon will be eligible to seek funding from the WTO’s fishing fund to bolster its capacity for monitoring and controlling fishing activities within its waters and to enhance its fisheries management system.

This move is part of the Cameroonian government’s strategy to clean up and develop a crucial sector for the national economy. It also comes at a significant time as Cameroon prepares to host the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference by February 2026, expecting 195 delegations and around 6,000 participants.

The adoption of this law highlights Cameroon’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and international cooperation. As the country gears up for the upcoming WTO conference, the ratification underscores its dedication to aligning with global standards and protecting its marine resources.

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