Exercise Obangame Express

Exercise Obangame Express
Name	Exercise Obangame Express
Location	Gulf of Guinea

Exercise Obangame Express is a multinational maritime exercise conducted in the Gulf of Guinea, involving United States Africa Command and United States Naval Forces Africa, in collaboration with European Union and Economic Community of West African States partners, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire. The exercise aims to enhance regional cooperation and improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, with support from United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, and Royal Navy. It also involves participation from France, Portugal, and Spain, among other nations, with a focus on promoting United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and International Maritime Organization standards.

Introduction

Exercise Obangame Express is designed to promote regional cooperation and improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, with a focus on piracy, armed robbery, and illegal fishing. The exercise involves a range of activities, including naval maneuvers, visit, board, search, and seizure operations, and maritime interdiction training, with support from United States Africa Command and United States Naval Forces Africa. It also involves collaboration with regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States and the Gulf of Guinea Commission, as well as international partners, including United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. The exercise is conducted in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2018 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2039, which aim to promote maritime security in the region.

History

The first Exercise Obangame Express was conducted in 2010, with participation from United States Africa Command, United States Naval Forces Africa, and several West African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. The exercise has since become an annual event, with increasing participation from regional and international partners, including France, Portugal, and Spain. The exercise has been supported by United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, and Royal Navy, among other naval forces, with a focus on promoting maritime security and regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. The exercise has also involved participation from European Union and African Union organizations, including the European Union Naval Force and the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Objectives

The primary objectives of Exercise Obangame Express are to enhance regional cooperation and improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, with a focus on piracy, armed robbery, and illegal fishing. The exercise aims to promote United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and International Maritime Organization standards, while also supporting regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States and the Gulf of Guinea Commission. The exercise also seeks to improve maritime domain awareness and information sharing among participating nations, with support from United States Africa Command and United States Naval Forces Africa. Additionally, the exercise aims to promote capacity building and training for regional naval forces, with participation from United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, and Royal Navy.

Participating Nations

Exercise Obangame Express involves participation from several West African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, as well as international partners, such as United States, United Kingdom, France, Portugal, and Spain. The exercise also involves participation from regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States and the Gulf of Guinea Commission, as well as international organizations, including the European Union and the African Union. Other participating nations include Germany, Italy, and Belgium, among others, with a focus on promoting regional cooperation and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The exercise is supported by United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Development Programme.

Operations and Training

Exercise Obangame Express involves a range of operations and training activities, including naval maneuvers, visit, board, search, and seizure operations, and maritime interdiction training. The exercise also involves maritime domain awareness and information sharing training, with support from United States Africa Command and United States Naval Forces Africa. Participating nations also engage in capacity building and training activities, with a focus on promoting regional cooperation and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The exercise involves participation from United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, and Royal Navy, among other naval forces, with a focus on promoting United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and International Maritime Organization standards.

Outcome and Impact

Exercise Obangame Express has contributed to improved maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, with a reduction in piracy and armed robbery incidents. The exercise has also promoted regional cooperation and capacity building among participating nations, with support from United States Africa Command and United States Naval Forces Africa. The exercise has been recognized by United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Development Programme, as a key initiative in promoting maritime security and regional cooperation in the region. The exercise has also involved participation from European Union and African Union organizations, including the European Union Naval Force and the African Union Mission in Somalia, with a focus on promoting maritime security and regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. Overall, Exercise Obangame Express has made a significant contribution to promoting maritime security and regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea, with support from United States, United Kingdom, France, and other international partners.

Category: Military exercises