ACCRA, Ghana –
Obangame Express 2021, the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western Africa, ended its 10th iteration with a celebratory closing ceremony in Accra, Ghana, March 27, 2021.
“Congratulations on the completion of a successful exercise,” said U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Ms. Stephanie Sullivan. “Your efforts will have a lasting positive effect in improving regional cooperation and information sharing among participating nations.”
The exercise focused on the collective capabilities for countering the trafficking of illegal arms and drugs, human trafficking, illegal migration, piracy, and illegal fishing. There was partner nation collaboration efforts in support of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, adherence to the rule of law, and in strengthening safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea and coastal areas in the West.
“Amid the challenges imposed by the global coronavirus pandemic, states along the Gulf of Guinea, together with their international partners, are still poised and willing to come together to fight the menace of maritime crime and incidents,” said guest of honor, Adm. Seth Amoama, Chief of the Defense Staff, Ghana Armed Forces. “This stems from the fact that in recent times, there has been an increase in the number of vessels operating within the Gulf of Guinea region, bringing with it a commensurate increase in maritime incidents.”
Last year’s exercise was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, to accommodate the unique challenges of the pandemic, some events were held virtually. The first-ever OE21 Virtual Pandemic Preparation and Response Engagement offered an opportunity for top medical experts from African nations, the United States and the United Kingdom, to share lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I wish to end by once again expressing my gratitude to the United States Africa Command for their continuous assistance and varied contributions to improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea,” Amoama said. “My sincere appreciation also goes to the governments of all the participating countries for committing time and resources to make this exercise a great success.”
Activities took place across five exercise zones in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea that stretch from Senegal to Angola, and across the Economic Community of West African States and Economic Community of Central African States nations.
“Let me close by simply saying how proud I am, and how proud the U.S. Navy is, to call itself a partner to the navies and coast guards of Atlantic Africa and to our broader Atlantic partners in Europe and the Americas,” said Rear Adm. Jeffrey S. Spivey, director, maritime partnership program, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa. “May we continue to further the region’s capacity to secure and protect its maritime domain through cooperation and togetherness.”
The 32 nations who participated in Obangame Express included Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, and the United States. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) also participated.
U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.