Obangame Express (OE21), 32 nations is set to embark on the largest multinational maritime exercise in West Africa.
The 10th edition of the Obangame Express (OE21) will hold this month in Accra Ghana, on the 19th.
Obamgame Express is sponsored by US Africa Command (AFRICOM), and is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA), information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of participating nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.
“Obangame Express allows us to develop skills, with our regional partners, that will have a lasting impact on regional security in the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean,” said Rear Admiral Michael Baze, Director of Maritime Headquarters, US Naval Forces Africa. “Our past exercises led to tangible, real-world success stories and OE21 is a chance for us to build upon those successes.”
“The Ghana Navy is once again honored to host OBANGAME EXPRESS, the multinational exercise that seeks to build the capacity of the Navies in the Gulf of Guinea Region.
“Our focus will therefore be to ensure the enhancement of interoperability, information sharing, and implementation of laid down inter-agency procedures towards ensuring maritime security by all stakeholders,” Ghana’s Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Issah Yakubu said.
Obangame Express (OE21) is one of three US Naval Forces Africa- sponsored regional exercises, part of a comprehensive strategy by NAVAF-SIXTHFLT and AFRICOM to provide collaborative opportunities for African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns, the Command said.
“The exercise will be conducted in multiple areas at sea and ashore,” said Yakubu. “At-sea operations will be conducted throughout the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. This year marks the second time the exercise will be hosted by Ghana, in its capital city of Accra.”
Training opportunities during OE21 include boarding techniques, search and rescue operations, medical casualty response, radio communication, and information management techniques.
“Our maritime security partnerships prepare African nations to prevent piracy and other illicit maritime activities that threaten development efforts, citizen security, and deprive states of resources required for fostering greater economic growth,” said US Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S Sullivan.
“Exercises like the multinational Obangame Express regional maritime exercise create a cohesive community that is in a stronger position to confront these challenges.”
The 32 nations scheduled to participate in OE21 include Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, and the United States. Also participating will be the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
