Obangame Express (OE23), the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western and Central Africa, kicked off its 12th year with 32 participating nations, on Monday 23rd January 2023.
The exercise, hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, will feature both in-port and at-sea training scenarios including maritime operations centre familiarisation and exchanges on medical care, search and rescue operations, and boarding techniques.
“Illicit maritime activity threatens regional development efforts, weakens state security, and robs our African partners of the precious resources upon which they rely for economic growth and effective governance,” said Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. He said the Exercise Obangame Express is an important opportunity to improve collective capabilities, build trust between the nations, and promote stability in a vitally important part of the world.”
OE23, one of three NAVAF-facilitated regional exercises provides collaborative opportunities for African and U.S. forces, and international partners to address shared transnational maritime concerns. NAVAF’s ongoing maritime security cooperation with African partners focuses on overcoming the challenges of maritime safety and security in the region.
The exercise is an opportunity for like-minded partners to work together to develop African-led solutions to shared transnational challenges and promote global security.
The exercise takes place across five zones in the southern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea – stretching from the West African island of Cabo Verde to the Central African shores of Angola, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS) and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
The 32 nations participating in OE23 include Angola, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, and the United States. Also participating are the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States.
Source: U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa
