By Ibrahim Saddam D. Country E. Yai
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, has called on the international maritime community to strengthen cooperation and introduce greater safeguards to protect seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters.
He warned that innocent maritime workers should not be made to suffer the consequences of geopolitical tensions and conflicts over which they have no control.
Speaking during discussions on maritime security, Bio highlighted the growing vulnerability of seafarers working in high-risk maritime environments, noting that many are exposed to serious security threats while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
He emphasised that seafarers play an essential role in sustaining international trade and global supply chains and therefore deserve adequate protection, particularly in areas affected by armed conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions.
“Innocent seafarers must never become victims of geopolitical conflicts beyond their control,” Bio stated.
He further underscored the importance of international cooperation, collective responsibility and stronger maritime security measures to safeguard the lives, welfare and rights of seafarers.
Bio’s remarks highlight the need for governments, maritime institutions and international stakeholders to work together to ensure that seafarers can perform their duties without unnecessary exposure to conflict-related dangers.
The call also reinforces the importance of protecting maritime workers as a critical component of global shipping, international commerce and the broader maritime industry.