Obangame Categorical (OE23), the most important multinational maritime train in Western and Central Africa, kicked off its twelfth yr with 33 collaborating nations, Jan. 23, 2023.
The train, hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, will function each in-port and at-sea coaching situations together with maritime operations heart familiarization and exchanges on medical care, search and rescue operations, and boarding methods.
“Illicit maritime exercise threatens regional growth efforts, weakens state safety, and robs our African companions of the dear assets upon which they rely for financial development and efficient governance,” mentioned Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. “Train Obangame Categorical is a crucial alternative to enhance our collective capabilities, construct belief between our nations, and promote stability in a vitally essential a part of the world.”
OE23, one in every of three NAVAF-facilitated regional workout routines, offers collaborative alternatives for African and U.S. forces, and worldwide companions to deal with shared transnational maritime issues. NAVAF’s ongoing maritime safety cooperation with African companions focuses on overcoming the challenges of maritime security and safety within the area.
The train is a chance for like-minded companions to work collectively to develop African-led options to shared transnational challenges and promote international safety.
Nigeria, OE23’s host, is a crucial accomplice of america in selling a peaceable, well-policed Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria additionally maintains the most important navy within the Gulf of Guinea area and is vital to safety and stability in Africa.
“Obangame Categorical 2023 displays america’ continued dedication to our companions within the Gulf of Guinea as they try to safe their folks, their economies, and their assets. We’re delighted that Nigeria is internet hosting this army train, as we firmly imagine that maritime safety in Nigeria and its neighbors will result in higher prosperity for the area as a complete,” mentioned Mary Beth Leonard, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria.
The train takes place throughout 5 zones within the southern Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea – stretching from the West African island of Cabo Verde to the Central African shores of Angola, together with the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECWAS) and Financial Neighborhood of Central African States (ECCAS).
The 33 nations collaborating in OE23 embrace Angola, Belgium, 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 america. Additionally collaborating would be the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Financial Neighborhood of Central African States (ECCAS).
The U.S. shares a standard curiosity with African accomplice nations in making certain safety, security, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, as a result of these waters are vital for Africa’s prosperity and entry to international markets.
For greater than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has solid strategic relationships with allies and companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of duty. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces by the total spectrum of joint and naval operations.
Learn extra at U.S. sixth Fleet
