The Gambia Navy has participated in the highly anticipated Grand African NEMO exercise, an annual maritime security operation that brings together African nations and international partners to address critical security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

This year’s drill, which kicked off on November 5, is led by the French Navy and aims to combat piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and smuggling, all of which have posed significant threats to the region’s stability and economic growth.

The Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, has long been plagued by maritime crime, making multinational collaboration essential for improving security.

The Grand African NEMO exercise focuses on strengthening coordination, information-sharing, and command-and-control mechanisms among the participating naval forces, providing a platform for allied nations to tackle complex maritime threats together.

For The Gambia and other countries in Zone G — which includes nations on the western coast of Africa — participation in the exercise is seen as a vital opportunity to enhance their maritime security capabilities.

As piracy and illicit activities continue to disrupt trade and security, these annual drills allow regional forces to better prepare for real-world challenges through joint operations and simulations.

The Gambia Navy’s involvement in the exercise is part of a broader regional effort to build stronger, more resilient security structures in West Africa. Naval experts have underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational maritime crime, noting that no single nation can address these challenges alone.

By participating in these joint exercises, countries like The Gambia are not only strengthening their own naval capacities but also contributing to the broader stability of the Gulf of Guinea.

In addition to counter-piracy measures, the Grand African NEMO exercise includes training on a range of maritime security issues, from environmental protection to the enforcement of international maritime law. 

The event provides valuable opportunities for regional forces to exchange knowledge, improve operational readiness, and establish lasting partnerships for future cooperation.

As the Gulf of Guinea continues to face evolving security threats, the Grand African NEMO exercise remains a key initiative in securing one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba