Exercise Obangame Express 2025 (OE25) served as a crucial platform for strengthening maritime security cooperation among African nations and international partners. This large-scale, multinational maritime exercise, now in its 14th year, brought together thirty African countries, along with support from the United States and European navies, to address critical maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise provided intensive training over a two-week period, focusing on enhancing regional coordination, expanding maritime security capabilities, and bolstering operational readiness among participating forces. This collaborative effort reflects the growing recognition of shared responsibility in securing these vital waterways and underscores the importance of collective action in combating transnational maritime threats.
OE25 involved a diverse range of maritime assets, including over 30 ships and multiple aircraft, which engaged in a series of realistic maritime security scenarios. These scenarios encompassed a wide spectrum of operational challenges, from piracy interdiction and illegal fishing enforcement to oil platform protection and maritime search-and-rescue operations. By simulating real-world threats and practicing coordinated responses, participating forces honed their interoperability, communication, and tactical proficiency. This hands-on training provided invaluable experience in addressing the complex and multifaceted security landscape of the region, preparing forces to effectively respond to a wide range of maritime contingencies.
A key aspect of OE25 was the establishment of 21 maritime operations centers across the region, serving as hubs for information sharing, coordination, and command and control. One such center, hosted by the Ghana Navy, played a pivotal role in training personnel from the Liberia Coast Guard. This collaborative training environment facilitated knowledge exchange and fostered stronger working relationships between regional partners. Furthermore, observers from the U.S. Navy provided expert guidance and assistance to the Liberia Coast Guard during exercises conducted in Liberian waters, further strengthening their capacity and operational readiness. The integration of ships from the Italian and Cote d’Ivoire Navies into these exercises underscored the international commitment to bolstering maritime security in the region.
The Liberia Coast Guard’s active participation in OE25 highlights Liberia’s commitment to regional maritime security and its dedication to collaborating with international partners to address shared challenges. By engaging in joint exercises and training alongside other African nations and international forces, the Liberia Coast Guard enhances its ability to protect its territorial waters, combat illegal activities, and contribute to the overall security of the Gulf of Guinea. This collaborative approach not only strengthens individual national capacities but also fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for regional maritime security.
The United States, through its Sixth Fleet and Africa Command, has been a driving force behind Obangame Express. The exercise demonstrates the U.S. commitment to partnering with African nations to build sustainable maritime security capacity within the region. This support underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational threats and promoting stability in vital maritime domains. The U.S. recognizes that strong and capable African maritime forces are essential for safeguarding regional interests, combating illicit activities, and fostering economic prosperity.
The name “Obangame,” derived from the Fang language, signifies “togetherness.” This name perfectly encapsulates the essence and objective of the exercise, which is to foster unity and cooperation among participating nations. OE25 stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of building strong partnerships to address complex security challenges. By working together, sharing expertise, and strengthening regional capabilities, participating nations are building a more secure and prosperous maritime environment for the benefit of all. The continued success of Obangame Express underscores the importance of this annual exercise in promoting regional stability and fostering long-term maritime security cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean.
