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In a significant reaffirmation of its commitment to maritime security, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched the third phase of Operation Safe Domain (OP SAFE DOMAIN III). Spearheaded by the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E, the initiative underscores the collective resolve of ECOWAS member states to protect the Blue Economy of the region through enhanced maritime security collaboration.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the operation’s launch, Navy Commodore Aniedi A. Ibok, Director of MMCC Zone E, articulated the strategic importance of continuous maritime security operations in ensuring the safety and prosperity of West Africa’s maritime domain. He emphasized that the launch of OP SAFE DOMAIN III marks not the end, but the beginning of an ongoing mission to safeguard the region’s waters from illicit activities.
Commodore Ibok highlighted that, over the past five days, a coordinated deployment of four ships, one Defender Boat, and one helicopter conducted extensive maritime patrols and drills within Zone E. These operations were meticulously planned to enhance the interoperability and cooperation among the participating navies, targeting threats such as sea robbery, piracy, illegal fishing, and various forms of trafficking.
“These threats have significant implications for the economic stability and development of our Blue Economy,” Commodore Ibok stated. “They undermine the potential for economic growth and the livelihoods of our local communities. Our response through OP SAFE DOMAIN III reflects our unwavering commitment to neutralizing these threats and creating a secure maritime environment conducive to commerce and trade.”
The policy driving OP SAFE DOMAIN III is rooted in the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS), which establishes a comprehensive framework for maritime security across the region. This operation, the largest and most coordinated in the series, represents a critical step in advancing the EIMS’s goals of pooling resources, promoting information exchange, and fostering cooperation among member states.
The success of this operation is attributed to the strong leadership within Zone E and the collaborative support from the Chiefs of Naval Staff across the participating nations. Commodore Ibok lauded their contributions, emphasizing that the coordinated efforts of ECOWAS member states have set a new benchmark in regional maritime security.
Benin Republic said he was satisfied with the operation as they had fulfilled the objectives, while Togo said the exercise was successful but that they need a harmonized communications plan.
As the operation transitions from its launch phase, Commodore Ibok reassured stakeholders that the assets deployed will continue to patrol their respective waters, ensuring sustained vigilance against non-state actors seeking to exploit the region’s maritime domain. He urged seafarers and legitimate businesses to continue their operations with confidence in the security measures in place.
Looking ahead, ECOWAS remains committed to further enhancing maritime security in the region. The next iteration, Operation Safe Domain IV, is slated for launch in March 2025, building on the successes of this current operation.
“The continued collaboration of our member states is essential to protecting our shared maritime heritage and ensuring the free flow of global trade,” Commodore Ibok concluded. “Our collective efforts today are paving the way for a safer, more secure maritime future in Zone E.”
This policy statement reaffirms ECOWAS’s dedication to maintaining and strengthening maritime security, integral to the economic well-being and stability of the West African region.