In Cotonou, Zone E of the CMMC wants to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.

Discussions focused on updating the joint strategy, pooling operational resources, and strengthening the regional maritime security architecture. Officers from national navies, government experts, police authorities, and representatives from regional organizations participated in the event.

Led by Captain Abdulraheem Tunde Olaniyan, the meeting aimed to assess existing cooperation mechanisms and identify ways to improve coordination among the involved states. Participants also examined means to consolidate maritime governance in an area where maritime security is linked to economic activities and trade exchanges.

A structure created to pool resources

Established in March 2015, the CMMC of Zone E has the mandate to promote the sharing of member states’ capabilities, support maritime cooperation, and facilitate the conduct of joint operations. The centre covers the four countries that make up this area of cooperation within the regional maritime security framework.

Captain Olaniyan reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to continuing its mission for better maritime governance and increased collaboration among the involved administrations.

Representing the head of the ECOWAS Commission in Benin, Josaphat Lafia emphasized the importance of these issues at both the regional and international levels. “These two days allowed us to question our practices, assess our collaboration and cooperation for securing the Gulf of Guinea, and identify areas for improvement and capacity building,” he stated.

According to him, pooling efforts remains essential for improving security in the Gulf of Guinea. This approach particularly requires more effective information sharing and enhanced coordination among the relevant forces and administrations.

Maritime governance at the heart of the discussions

Frigate Captain Bernard Goussanou, deputy director of the CMMC Zone E, explained that this year a regional seminar was prioritized instead of a joint operation. The objective was to dedicate more time to strengthening capacities in maritime governance and to improving coordination strategies.

He also stressed the strategic position of Zone E in the Gulf of Guinea. Protecting this shared space concerns not only the security of coastal states but also the continuity of maritime activities and the preservation of conditions necessary for regional economic development.

Furthermore, the discussions incorporated issues related to the management of fishery resources. Bernard Akitikpa, a fishing and aquaculture specialist at the General Directorate of Fisheries, presented a communication focused on fishery management in West Africa, with particular emphasis on Benin.

His presentation addressed the necessary measures for preserving fishery resources and ensuring the sustainability of fishing activities. He called for increased participant involvement in monitoring fishing areas and combating illegal fishing.