The Government
of Equatorial Guinea joined maritime forces from Gulf of Guinea nations, Europe,
South America, and the United States, and several regional and international
organizations at the Obangame Express 2015 exercise to learn collaborative opportunities
that address maritime security concerns.
Equatorial
Guinea’s exclusive maritime economic zone is ten times larger than its
landmass, with vast potential for fisheries. The Government recognizes the
strategic importance of promoting safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea
region -- for stakeholders, multinational oil and gas companies, and surrounding
oil producing nations.
President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo called on the Gulf of Guinea heads of
state to maintain stronger vigilance and create a maritime security body in
order to overcome security and stability issues affecting the zone and for
closer relations with international organizations to face the challenges
affecting the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) during the third Summit of Heads of State of the
GGC.
“Having a strong
and effective Gulf of Guinea Commission is the only alternative for our region to overcome the problems
it currently faces, to ensure the welfare of their people, peace and security
in the maritime and land zones of the Gulf of Guinea,” said President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
Obangame Express
is a U.S. Africa Command-sponsored multinational maritime exercise aimed to
increase maritime safety and security, improve regional cooperation, maritime
domain awareness (MDA), information-sharing practices, and tactical
interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea
nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.
Equatorial Guinea's Maritime Security Enhancement Program, launched several years ago, is designed to provide nationwide coastal surveillance coverage and long-term stability for the entire region. It is a part of Equatorial Guinea's commitment to contributing to the positive development and security in its part of West Africa.
