November 25, 2025
From 17 to 22 November, the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP), active member of the International Planning Committee for Food Sovereignty, held its first historic African regional meeting in Senegal — a powerful step toward strengthening the voice and influence of Fishers Peoples across the continent. The facilitator of the IPC Working Group on Fisheries was invited to participate, bringing valuable experience and helping to deepen collective understanding and strategies for engaging in key political spaces such as the FAO and, in particular, COFI and its governing bodies. Over four days, delegates worked together to build a shared understanding of WFFP’s mission, deepen solidarity among member organizations, and expand the movement’s presence throughout Africa.
The meeting focused on confronting the growing threats posed by corporate-led development, from ocean grabbing to industrial aquaculture and market-driven conservation schemes like the 30×30 initiative. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to defending Fishers Peoples’ human rights, territories, waters, lakes, rivers and lands and promoting Food Sovereignty. These struggles are especially urgent for fishers women, who face reduced access to waters, worsening poverty, and increased violence, as well as for youth who are pushed out of fishing by criminalization and militarization.
On the 21st of November, we gathered in a heartfelt celebration of World Fisheries Day at the Mbour landing site, honoring the legacy of the founder member of CNPS Senegal. We gathered together with many local fishers communities, women, harvesters and youth. The gathering strengthened collective demands to governments, urging them to recognize fishing peoples as rights-holders and in shaping real solutions. Participants called for the full and genuine implementation of the SSF Guidelines, for small-scale fishers to remain central within COFI and FAO regional agendas, and for the African Union to align its policies with the SSF Guidelines while ensuring meaningful participation of fishers’ communities. The FAO was also encouraged to continue supporting the SSF-GSF, recognizing small-scale fishers as true agents of change.