We are honored to introduce our esteemed members, who are renowned experts in their fields. Our members are dedicated to shaping the global landscape in international law, diplomacy, and maritime security.

• Osman Keh Kamara: Founder of AMSI and currently a residing judge on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
• Joyce Bawah Mogtari: Special Aide to the President of Ghana, an expert in maritime law, and former Deputy Minister of Transport.
• Ambassador Nounke Kaba: Ambassador of Guinea to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
• Louisa Bailey: Ambassador of Liberia to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU and UNECA, focusing on economic development, security, and governance.
• Ambassador Lamin Fatti: Acting Charge d'Affaires ad interim of The Gambia’s Permanent Mission to the AU, specializing in international relations and maritime law.
• Prospective Partners/Members: Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya etc.

Osman Keh Kamara - Founder

Osman Keh Kamara is a distinguished judge, diplomat, and international law expert, currently serving as a Judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hamburg, Germany, since 2023. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Judge Kamara has made significant contributions to international law, diplomacy, and maritime security.

Early Career and Education

Judge Kamara holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with honors from the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College. He furthered his education at Columbia University, earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the School of International and Public Affairs. Additionally, he obtained Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne.

Distinguished Fellowships

Judge Osman Keh Kamara's illustrious career has been marked by his participation in several highly esteemed fellowships, which have not only honed his expertise in maritime law and international relations but also underscored his commitment to promoting ocean governance and policy. These prestigious fellowships have provided Judge Kamara with a unique platform to engage with renowned experts, foster international collaborations, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of maritime security and international law.

These esteemed fellowships include:

• The prestigious Nippon Foundation Fellowship at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), focusing on maritime law and dispute resolution.
• The renowned Rhodes Academy of Ocean Law and Policy, emphasizing the intersection of ocean governance and policy.
• The United Nations Regional Course on International Law for Africa, highlighting the importance of international law in the African regional context.

Diplomatic Career

Judge Kamara has had a distinguished diplomatic career, serving as:

• Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2008-2014)
• Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Ethiopia (2014-2018) with accreditation to 17 African nations and Israel
• Permanent Representative to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (2014-2018)

International Law Expertise

Judge Kamara has extensive experience in international law, particularly in:

Maritime Law

Cases related to maritime boundaries, navigation rights, environmental protection, and marine resource management.

International Criminal Law

Served as Co-Counsel (Appeals) at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, working on war crimes and crimes against humanity appeals.

Human Rights Law

Provided legal representation for asylum seekers and refugees under the UN Refugee Agency.

Notable Achievements

• Special Advisor for the Silencing the Guns Initiative (2019-2021) at the African Union Commission
• Member of the UN Group of Experts (2010-2020) on marine environment and ocean governance
• Lead negotiator of the African Charter on Maritime Security and the African Union Master Roadmap for Silencing the Guns in Africa

Visionary Leadership

With a passion for promoting maritime security, blue economy, and governance in the world’s oceans, Judge Kamara embarked on a series of public lectures, panel discussions, and workshops, engaging local, continental, and international audiences alike.

Notable Lectures and Events

• Intergovernmental Negotiations on Clean Sea, Jakarta, Indonesia (October 2018)
• Participated as an expert in negotiations leading to the establishment of the Regional Center for Clean Sea headquarters in Bali, Indonesia.
• GCTF Maritime Security and Terrorist Travel Initiative Workshop, Dakar, Senegal (11-13 December 2023)
• Delivered a speech on "Legal Authorities in the Maritime Domain for the Interdiction of Maritime Terrorist Travel".
• Summer Academy on the Continental Shelf: History, Delimitation Overlapping Claims, and Effects on Islands in the Process, University of the Faroe Islands (19-29 April 2024)
• Delivered lectures on three modules relating to the extension of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.
• International Conference on the Law of the Sea, Seoul, Korea (16-22 November 2024)
• Moderated a panel of international experts discussing issues related to the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
• Lecture on Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy (29 January 2025)
• Delivered a lecture on the Vienna Convention's significance in diplomatic relations.
• Public Lecture on Benefits of UNCLOS for Landlocked Countries, Ethiopian Foreign Service Academy (13 March 2025)
• Highlighted the importance of UNCLOS for landlocked countries.

Establishing the African Maritime Security Institute (AMSI)

These events demonstrate Osman Keh Kamara's commitment to promoting maritime security, ocean governance, and international law. The lecture series and events not only showcased his expertise but also inspired him to establish the African Maritime Security Institute (AMSI) in collaboration with like-minded experts, paving the way for a safer and more secure maritime domain.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari - Ghana

Joyce Bawah Mogtari is a distinguished Ghanaian lawyer, politician, and expert in maritime law. She currently serves as a Special Aide to the President of Ghana, advising on matters of national importance.

Mogtari holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Holborn College, University of London, and a Master’s degree in Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta. She was honored with the IMO Legal Committee Chairman's Award for Best Overall Performance in International Transport Law.

Her extensive career includes serving as Deputy Minister of Transport, Head of the Legal Department and Solicitor Secretary of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, and Senior Managing Partner at Praetorium Solicitors. She has also held board positions at the PSC Tema Shipyard Company Limited and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA).

A seasoned mediator, Mogtari has facilitated numerous local and international mediations, demonstrating her expertise in conflict resolution. She is an active member of the Ghana Bar Association, the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), and Women in International Shipping and Trade Association (WISTA), reflecting her dedication to maritime law and women's empowerment.

Lamin Fatti - Gambia

Ambassador Lamin Fatti is the Acting Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the African Union. A highly experienced diplomat and expert in international relations, he holds a Master's degree in Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta. Ambassador Fatti has extensive experience in diplomacy, international governance, and maritime law, positioning him as a key figure in multilateral settings. His expertise spans critical areas such as international law, diplomacy, and maritime governance, making him a valuable representative for The Gambia at the African Union and other international institutions.

Louisa Bailey -  Liberia

Louisa Bailey is the Ambassador of Liberia to Ethiopia and the Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). In this capacity, she plays a key role in representing Liberia’s interests, fostering diplomatic relations, and engaging in regional and international policy discussions on economic development, security, and governance.

Ambassador Nounke Kabba - Guinea

Ambassador Nounke Kaba serves as the Ambassador of Guinea to Ethiopia and the Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). In this role, he plays a pivotal part in strengthening Guinea’s diplomatic relations, advancing regional cooperation, and representing the country’s interests within key African and international institutions.