In a significant stride towards bolstering maritime security in West Africa, the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E launched Operation SAFE DOMAIN III on Monday. The ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including the Special Guest of Honour, alongside representatives from various ECOWAS member states and international partners.
In his welcome address, Navy Commodore Aniedi A. Ibok, Director of MMCC Zone E, highlighted the region’s ongoing challenges and the collaborative efforts to address them. He noted the persistent transnational maritime security issues, such as sea robbery, piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking, which have hindered economic development and impacted local communities’ livelihoods.
According to him, the establishment of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) in March 2014 laid the foundation for a comprehensive maritime security architecture in the region. This included the creation of the West African Regional Maritime Coordination Centre in Abidjan and the MMCCs in Cotonou, Accra, and Praia. MMCC Zone E, established in 2015, has played a pivotal role in coordinating maritime security efforts among its member states: Benin, Nigeria, Togo, and Niger.
Since the introduction of Operation SAFE DOMAIN, there has been a significant reduction in maritime insecurity, with reported piracy incidents dropping from 49 in 2018 to just 2 in 2023. Commodore Ibok attributed this success to the concerted efforts of ECOWAS, member states, and international partners, including the EU, UNODC, USA, Denmark, Germany, and France.
Operation SAFE DOMAIN III, themed “Protecting the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Maritime Security Collaboration,” aims to enhance the capacity of navies and maritime security agencies through resource pooling, equipment provision, training, and intelligence sharing. It also seeks to promote information exchange and cooperation among member states and international partners to tackle maritime challenges collectively.
Commodore Ibok concluded his address by acknowledging the support of the Chiefs of Naval Staff of Zone E member states, the ECOWAS Commission, and the government of Benin for their roles in ensuring the success of the Centre’s initiatives.
Also speaking, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan highlighted the significance of Operation Safe Domain, emphasizing its role in addressing the maritime security challenges that once plagued the Gulf of Guinea. He recalled the previous operations, Safe Domain I and II, conducted in November 2021 and September 2023, respectively, and acknowledged the progress made in combating piracy, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes in the region.
“The Gulf of Guinea no longer bears the tag of one of the most dangerous waters in the world,” stated Rear Admiral Hassan. “While we may not be where we want to be yet in terms of maritime safety and security, we have moved past the darkest days when maritime criminals operated in the Gulf of Guinea with impunity.”
Ogalla attributed the success of these operations to the coordinated efforts of the ECOWAS, maritime security stakeholders, and international partners. He noted the transition from international sponsorship to Zone E member states taking full ownership of the initiative, demonstrating a strong commitment to ensuring maritime safety and security.
The CNS also acknowledged the support of the Zone E member states’ heads of government and his colleague heads of Service. He expressed gratitude to international partners for their continued support in realizing the objectives of the Yaoundé Accord and Protocol for Maritime Security.
The third iteration of Operation Safe Domain aims to build on the lessons learned from previous operations, enhancing information sharing and collaboration among the participants. Vice Admiral Ogalla encouraged participants to leverage their experiences and expertise for a more seamless and effective operation.
The launch of Operation SAFE DOMAIN III marks a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to secure its maritime domain and promote economic growth through safe and secure waters.