African Navies Unite in Senegal to Tackle Gulf of Guinea Maritime Threats

Naval forces from 17 African nations recently gathered in Senegal for a major maritime security exercise. The training focused on combating illegal activities in the Gulf of Guinea, a critical route handling a quarter of Africa’s maritime trade. Led by Senegal’s Special Forces Marine unit, the drills were part of the long-running Exercise Obangame Express 2026. The event, now in its 15th year, was organised by U.S. Africa Command and carried out by the U.S. Sixth Fleet. It supports the Yaounde Code of Conduct and the Africa Partnership Station initiative, both aimed at improving regional maritime safety. Teams practised Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) techniques, including tactical ship entries, evidence collection, and fisheries inspections.

Training began with classroom sessions before moving to full-mission simulations on mock suspect vessels. Participants also addressed the threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which harms local economies. Meanwhile, U.S. Navy Seabees upgraded facilities at Senegal’s Bel Air Naval Base in Dakar to support the exercise. Rear Admiral Kelly Ward, commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet’s Task Force 66, highlighted the economic stakes. She stressed that securing the Gulf of Guinea is vital for trade and regional stability, given its role as a key maritime chokepoint.

The exercise strengthened cooperation between African navies and their international partners. Improved boarding tactics and infrastructure upgrades will help counter illegal fishing and other maritime threats. The training also reinforced long-term security frameworks like the Yaounde Code of Conduct.