Obangame Express 2022 ended

Multinational approach to safety in African waters

The region is plagued by piracy, unreported and unregulated fishing and few opportunities for local residents to defend themselves against it. Led by the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise was conducted for the 11th time. U.S. AFRICOM is based in the Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart. Its mission is to co-operate with African militaries, conduct joint military operations and maintain relations between the United States and 53 African countries. This does not include Egypt, which is in a different command area.

Obangame Express is the largest multinational naval exercise in West Africa and was concluded on 18 March with a closing ceremony in Dakar, Senegal. It comprised a training period in port, followed by exercises at sea, during which the capabilities of the participating ships and the maritime operations centres to carry out security measures at sea were tested. Boarding techniques, search and rescue operations, medical care for the injured, radio communication, information management and various military procedures were practised.

Photo by. Tech. Sgt. Michael Cossaboom, Aviano Air Base, Italy. https://www.africom.mil/

The exercises took place in five zones in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, stretching from Senegal to Angola and across the states of the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). In addition, a symposium for managers was held from 16 to 18 March in conjunction with Obangame Express 22. The symposium provided an opportunity for senior naval leaders from Africa, Europe and North and South America to discuss maritime threats and solutions in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, according to the US Navy.

Photo by. Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Longoria, Niger. https://www.africom.mil/

The 32 countries that took part this year included Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo and the United States.

Source: defenceWeb , AFRICOM