African Union adopts charter on piracy, illegal fishing

Suspected pirates keep their hands in the air as directed by a patrol from the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf, in the Gulf of Aden. By Jason R. Zalasky (Navy Visual News Service (NVNS)/AFP/File)

Lome (AFP) - The African Union on Saturday adopted a charter on piracy, illegal fishing and maritime security at a summit meeting in Togo.

"We are happy to announce the adoption and signing of a charter on maritime security and safety and development in Africa," Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso said, hailing an "historic" decision designed to boost economic and social development across the continent.