The 12th edition of Obangame Express (OE23), the largest international maritime exercise in Western and Central Africa, began on Monday with 33 organizations and nations taking part, including Nigeria.
From the West African island of Cabo Verde to the Central African coastlines of Angola, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS) and Economic Community of Central African States, the exercise is spread out over five zones in the southern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea (ECCAS).
Nigeria, Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, and Poland are just a few of the 33 countries that are a part of OE23.
Others are the United States, Portugal, the Republic of Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Spain. The Economic Community of Central African States (ECOCAS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will also take part (ECCAS).
The exercise, which is being held in Lagos, Nigeria, will include familiarization with maritime operations centers, exchanges on medical care, search and rescue operations, and boarding techniques, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the Press Office, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos.
One of three regional exercises coordinated by the NAVAF, OE23 offers international partners, African and American forces, and platforms for cooperation to address common transnational maritime issues. The continuous maritime security collaboration between NAVAF and its African partners aims to address the issues with marine safety and security in the area.
The exercise offers like-minded partners the chance to collaborate in order to create African-led solutions to common transnational concerns and advance global security.
The United States counts Nigeria, which is hosting OE23, as a key ally in its efforts to promote a tranquil, well-governed Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria is essential to the security and stability of Africa and maintains the largest fleet in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Source: Sahara Reporters
