Issue 4, June 2022
Welcome!
In this issue, we bring you a bird’s-eye view of our activities this past half-year. But we also go beyond SWAIMS and our outstanding implementing partners to the bigger picture on the latest maritime developments in West Africa. Read on!
Contents
1. Editorial
2. News roundup from SWAIMS and its implementing partners
3. More maritime news
4. Events
1. EDITORIAL
SWAIMS approaches its final lap – achievements and next steps
The recent Steering Committee meeting of the SWAIMS Project on 12th May 2022 was an opportunity for reflecting on a programme that has encompassed nearly all aspects of maritime security in the ECOWAS section of the Gulf of Guinea. SWAIMS started in January 2019. The last of its series of activities will end in September 2024, with some ending earlier in the course 2023 and 2024. Thus far, in the project's lifespan, we have commiserated through some of the darkest moments for seafarers in the region but also celebrated the removal of Nigeria from the piracy list of the International Maritime Organisation.
Much has been achieved by all the different partners collaborating in the fight against maritime threats. Which is why it is all the more important to analyse success factors and to determine how to securely lock them in. For it is only by learning from the past that we can design more effective interventions for the future.
Working hand-in-glove with the Maritime Cell at the ECOWAS Commission, the SWAIMS Technical Assistance Team (TAT) has been supporting member states in strengthening their maritime governance systems. Two of the most concrete aspects of this work have been in Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with SWAIMS supporting the updating of national maritime strategies. This process – built around the cooperation of regional experts and working groups – should be conducted in other countries to help finalise or initiate strategies, develop implementation plans and craft formal agreements for mutually beneficial inter-agency information sharing.
Another outcome has been the need for testing and harmonising existing standard operating procedures, protocols and information-sharing systems. Plans for supporting Liberia’s Coast Guard in a real-life exercise are underway. Resources have been earmarked for a Senegal-led zonal operation in September. While such activities appear modest compared with the large joint international exercises like Obangame Express or Grand African Nemo, they give national authorities the focus and latitude for independent planning, for deploying their capabilities and equipment, as well as valuable time on the water. Experience and lessons from the two exercises planned could be thereafter applied in other countries.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has provided consistent support for strengthening legal frameworks. The ECOWAS Supplementary Act on the conditions for transfer of persons suspected of having committed acts of piracy, which allows for handover between ECOWAS countries, and in whose formulation SWAIMS participated, will be presented to the Ministerial Segment of the ECOWAS plenary meeting in June 2022. Shepherding it along the final stretch followed by domestication and implementation at national level will run well into 2023.
Amongst the key beneficiaries of SWAIMS are the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centres and the national Maritime Operation Centres. They will be receiving needs-based equipment in the form of computers, TV screens, radio and vessel monitoring positions, nautical charts and power-generating equipment to further enhance their capabilities. With delays due to the pandemic and the associated supply-chain disruptions having pushed back delivery dates, most centres will be receiving their kit in the second half of the year. Ensuring that the deliveries have all been made according to contract, and that the equipment has arrived where it was intended to go and is being correctly used will carry well into next year.
More time will also be needed for the delivery of the rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) to be supplied to ECOWAS navies and coast guards by Portugal’s Camões IP. At the time of writing, the basic text for the memorandum of understanding to govern this agreement has been agreed upon, paving way for the formal signing. Realistically, it is unlikely that delivery and training will be completed within the calendar year.
Engagement with the civil society and private sector has resulted in a draft proposal for a civil society maritime security strategy. But fusing the efforts of non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations and those of commercial companies into the work of the security sector will require some more work, especially if it is to be built on an ECOWAS platform.
Finally, both ISMI (Institut de sécurité maritime interregional) and RMU (Regional Maritime University) will be running courses well into the coming year.
Over the years, the different implementing agencies have woven a close partnership with good examples of cooperation and synergy. The whole is much more than the sum of its parts especially in as complex a field as maritime security, with pillars in the political realm, international diplomacy, defence and the blue economy. In their own words:
ISMI Director Lt Col Abe Aké Lazare: “The implementation of the SWAIMS Project has enabled ISMI to develop synergies with the project's SWAIMS team in Abidjan and Abuja and institutions such as UNODC and the PESCAO Project. Added to this is the fact that the project has put at the disposal of participating countries a collaborative network of focal points for a better coordinated conduct of their safety and security operations."
RMU’s Immediate past Provost, Projects Coordinator for modernisation of RMU and SWAIMS Project Coordinator at RMU, Engr Augustus Addey-Lamptey: “We consider the SWAIMS Project exemplary. This is because we have had personalised support from TAT, Abuja, from the concept note stage through proposal development to implementation. I can vividly recall the constant exchanges between me and Dr Axel Klein (Team leader), Ms Urszula Solkiewlcz (International Partnership Officer, EU, Abuja) and supporting staff of TAT that have helped to address challenges. The Head of the Regional Security Division ECOWAS Commission, Col Abdourahmane Dieng, and the EU in Ghana are also acknowledged. We have a very good training package; Maritime Affairs and Security, thanks to the support of SWAIMS. I am hoping that you will continue to support us, especially when most of the SWAIMS actions should be ending in 2023 while that for RMU will be ending in 2024."
Liaison Officer and Naval Expert to the SWAIMS component attached to the Portuguese Embassy in Abuja, Camões IP, Cap Pedro Ribeiro: "The Camões IP component of the SWAIMS Project, which corresponds to SWAIMS’ output 2.3. is being developed to address the need for naval forces/agencies of ECOWAS coastal countries in deploying law-enforcement officicers and increasing their capacity to intervene at sea for timely responses to maritime incidents – including environmental crimes – through the provision of rigid-hull inflatable boats and rigid-hull boats, forensic equipment and operational training. The good interaction and supportive team within all the SWAIMS Project components have enabled signing of the MoUs [memoranda of understanding] and technical visits to assess training needs in each one of the coastal countries. This will not only improve the exchange of information related to maritime surveillance but also reinforce cooperation among them and with other key stakeholders."
Maritime Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, UNODC, Siji Song: “We are very impressed by the coordination work of the SWAIMS Technical Assistance Team, managing a complex maritime security project in the ECOWAS zone. We have witnessed their strong partnership with ECOWAS which is the key to secure buy-in of its member states for effective implementation.”
Working closely with the ECOWAS Maritime Cell, well-connected with navies and coast guards across ECOWAS, the project has contributed significantly to deepening ECOWAS–EU relations in maritime security. Hopefully this momentum can be harnessed to further develop West Africa’s regional security system into 2023 and beyond.
2. News roundup from SWAIMS and its implementing partners
Equipment for maritime security
Maritime centres
Maritime centres are the centrepiece of the regional security system commonly known as the Yaoundé Architecture. For SWAIMS, supporting this system is both a means to greater maritime security and an end in governance strengthening. One of the core responsibilities of SWAIMS and the ECOWAS Maritime Cell is ensuring that the centres – comprising national maritime operational centres (MOCs), zonal multinational maritime coordination centres (MMCCs) and the Regional Centre for Maritime Security in Western Africa (CRESMAO: Centre régional de sécurité maritime de l’Afrique de l'Ouest) – are adequately equipped.
Equipment needs were identified in the early days of the SWAIMS Project, followed by identifying appropriate suppliers and delivery modalities. However, sourcing and delivery were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and various supply-chain problems. Still, Nigeria’s MOC and MMCC Zone E in Cotonou have already received some of the equipment from the first contractor, while consignments for the other 10 countries are under way, with delivery expected in the coming weeks.
High-level seminar
The most significant material component of the SWAIMS Project is the supply of rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) to each of the coastal ECOWAS states. This critical task was contracted to Portugal’s Camões IP, working closely with the Portuguese navy. To assure smooth and consultative implementation, SWAIMS and the ECOWAS Maritime Cell within the Directorate of Peacekeeping and Regional Security organised a high-level seminar from 4th to 5th April 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria. The seminar was attended by representatives from the 11 coastal ECOWAS states and was jointly funded by the ECOWAS Commission and the European Union Delegation in Abuja.
Going through the document paragraph by paragraph the wording of a memorandum of understanding was agreed on in principle, subject to adjustment by each of the member states. An amicable agreement could also be found for the allocation of the up to 30 RHIBs between the 12 coastal member states. How many will eventually be delivered will depend on tendering process and of course, the signing of the MoU. With recent price hikes as well as higher costs associated with global supply-chain disruptions, it is conceivable that the original budget may no longer cover 30 boats. Further discussion on allocations may therefore be necessary.
To assist the process, each country designated a contact person to liaise between suppliers and national authorities, and ensure the equipment reaches national maritime centres. It will help prevent consignments being stuck in port and instead ensure they are swiftly delivered to intended end-users.
One important soft outcome was the strengthening of the cordial ties between ECOWAS and EU in the maritime sphere.
The meeting attracted ample media coverage in the local, regional and international media. Press release | Sample media story | Photos
Country roundups
Cabo Verde and Zone G Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre
Visiting COSMAR (Centro de Operações de Segurança Marítima) in March 2022 coinciding with the US-led Obangame exercise, the SWAIMS team was struck by the efficient operation, the high level of motivation and commitment by the staff, and the presence of liaison officers from other services. It was an exemplary performance reinforcing the faith that regional partners have in the country’s role at hosting the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre for Zone G.
This is the western pillar of the Yaoundé Architecture and a critical component of West Africa’s regional security system. For Cabo Verde, a country comprising nine islands and a vast maritime space amounting to 98% of national territory, maritime security is an existential issue. Through these waters passes a regular flow of vessels from Africa, South America and Europe. The communications equipment and the RHIBS (see above) that will be supplied by SWAIMS will significantly enhance to capacity of the authorities to control their in-shore waters.
Of particular interest to the SWAIMS Technical Assistance Team (TAT) was therefore how plans for opening the MMCC Zone G were progressing. A building inside a high-security section of Praia port has been secured for the MMCC. This is where equipment provided by other funders, including the Federal Republic of Germany and Denmark, has been stored. This equipment was provided through bilateral resource mobilisation by ECOWAS. The full kit that is being provided under SWAIMS including VHF radios, dual-channel AIS (automatic identification system) base station receiver and vessel monitoring system unit (VMS digital camera with intelligent zoom) is on its way.
During discussions with the authorities the TAT suggested ways of overcoming challenges. For example, prior to the arrival of a centre director, activities could commence under the command of an acting director. This had been done successfully at MMCC Zone F, in Accra. In a sharing of costs and benefits, it was explained that the ECOWAS Commission provides an annual grant for the running of the centres. Regarding salaries, ECOWAS also pays accommodation for international staff while their countries of origin pay their salaries. The host country covers both the salaries and allowances of their nationals.
In latest developments since, Cabo Verde has recently signalled its intent to officially open the centre, once sufficient funds are available to do so.
Meantime, Senegal has nominated a senior officer to take command of the centre. He is expected to be in post by the beginning of quarter 4 this year. The anticipation is that MMCC Zone G will be operational before the end of the year.
Photos from TAT visit to Cabo Verde
Roundtable in The Gambia
SWAIMS TAT and a representative of ECOWAS’ Regional Security Division conducted an assessment in The Gambia from 9th to 14th February 2022. The goal was to identify areas where SWAIMS can constructively e ngage with the national authorities to strengthen maritime governance through capacity building and activities.
Discussants included the navy, police, Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources, and Ministry of Justice. There was a general consensus on the absence of a mechanism, platform and structure for exchanging information as a key obstacle in effective governance of The Gambia’s territorial waters. Among possible areas for collaboration with SWAIMS is in implementing the Gambia Integrated Maritime Sector Strategy (GIMSS).
SAN-speak: Voices of the SWAIMS Alumni Network
We introduced the SWAIMS Alumni Network (SAN) in SWAIMS News Issue 1 and have faithfully carried a profile in each issue. Thus, the story continues...
Seasoned seafarer ahoy! Answering the call of the sea in Sierra Leone
What do an electrical engineer, marine engineer, maritime security manager and a seafarer have in common? The answer in single and simple human form? Sierra Leone’s Marine Engineer Lamin Umaru Kanu (pictured).
Being both manual and cerebral, industrious Lamin loves working with his hands and exploring what makes things tick. His infectious enthusiasm for maritime security and deep passion for his country shine through as he discusses the nuts and bolts of the national Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) and the fight against armed robbery at sea and illegal fishing plaguing Sierra Leone’s waters.
As a maritime security manager at the Sierra Leonean Maritime Authority (SLMA), Lamin represents SLMA in JMC’s strategic maritime security meetings. Five of the country’s ports are compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). Lamin is responsible for inspecting and validating these compliant ports and also serves as the liaison officer to the United States Coast Guard for ISPS implementation.
Lamin is a beneficiary of the SWAIMS-sponsored maritime security course ran by the Regional Maritime University (RMU) at Accra, Ghana. But this was not his first RMU encounter. He’s a 2018 RMU graduate in Marine Engineering. And as a lifelong learner, two years on, he returned to RMU from January to March 2021 to further enhance his broad knowledge on maritime security. “The tutors were well-versed in their topics and took the time to break down their subjects into easily digestible nuggets of information,” Lamin recalled.
But the learning was not all tutor-centred: particularly enjoyable was the camaraderie with each participant enriching the learning experience by regaling their fellow course-mates with the unique particulars of their country’s maritime security, fisheries and blue economy.
And although he would have preferred a more compact and practical course that included search-and-seizure exercises, collaboration with different maritime agencies and raids (the course at RMU has since been upgraded and now includes more practical components), Lamin was overall happy with the course “I would gladly recommend this course at RMU to anyone interested in widening their knowledge of maritime security and other matters relating to the Gulf of Guinea and the African continent,” affirms Lamin. “I was especially fulfilled by meeting my learning goals of scholarship about continent-led solutions and finding ways to seal the loopholes in existing maritime security laws,” he adds with a smile.
Lamin’s RMU training prepared him well to spearhead the development of maritime policies for Sierra Leone; he’s a member of the committee responsible for the Policy and Strategy for Maritime Security of Sierra Leone document.
The other committee he’s a member of, the JMC, convenes the various maritime government bodies to maximise their respective impacts by sharing resources and benefits. The committee conducts joint patrols twice or thrice monthly with impressive results: “Piracy is not really an issue for Sierra Leone. But we face the plagues of armed robbery at sea and illegal fishing,” Lamin revealed. “Thanks to the JMC, we have been able to all but eliminate the former while giving the wrongdoers in the latter a serious run for their money,” he added.
Regarding maritime insecurity in West Africa, Lamin is firm in his belief that collaboration is the operative word and the answer. “Maritime security in West Africa is worrisome. But I believe there are potential solutions if we form coalitions. We need joint agreements between West Africa’s countries to fund patrols to monitor our waters and to streamline our respective bureaucratic processes,” Lamin proposed.
What’s next for Lamin? The call of the sea is strong, reinforced by an overland stop and sojourn. He will be heading back to Ghana to complete his Certificate of Competency and become a Third Engineer in the merchant navy. Thereafter, the sea and its limitless horizon both beckon!
We wish Lamin well and full steam ahead in his continued combat, action and aspirations for seamless maritime security at national and regional levels. A seasoned seafarer worth his salt!
Lamin can be reached through the SAN Secretariat.
3. More maritime news
CRESMAO unveils new headquarters
ECOWAS’ Centre régional de sécurité maritime de l’Afrique de l'Ouest (CRESMAO; Regional Centre for Maritime Security in Western Africa) held a colourful inauguration ceremony of its headquarters on 31st March 2022.
The ceremony was under the chairmanship of the Ivorian Prime Minister Mr Patrick Achi represented by the Minister of Security and of Civil Protection General Vagondo Diomandé, accompanied by the Minister of Transport Amadou Koné, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces General Lassina Doumbia and the Chief of the Navy Staff Rear Admiral N'Guesan Kouamé Célestin.
The ECOWAS Commission was represented at the highest level by its President, HE Jean Claude Kassi Brou; the Commissioner Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Gen Francis Béhanzin; the Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Dr Cyriaque Agnékethom; and the Head of the Regional Security Division, Col (Dr) Abdourahmane Dieng.
The ceremony also marked the solemn handover between the CRESMAO interim team and Rear Admiral Istifanus Mu'azu Albara of Nigeria, who has been in charge of the centre since December 2021. More
Multinational cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea
In early April, the Nigerian, Spanish and Italian navies conducted a joint boarding exercise at Apapa in Lagos, demonstrating the practical benefits of cooperation on maritime security between Nigerian and European Union (EU) naval forces. The occasion was graced by the EU Gulf of Guinea Senior Coordinator HE Amb Nicolás Berlanga Martinez. 
Earlier, Amb Berlanga had visited the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja where he met with the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Gen Francis Behanzin and Col Abdourahmane Dieng, Head of the Regional Security Division, for an exchange of views.
Amb Berlanga also attended the high-level maritime security seminar organised by SWAIMS in Abuja (see above), during which he explained the internal mechanisms of the EU’s Coordinated Maritime Presences in the Gulf of Guinea.
4. Events
Besides the high-level summit above, thus far this half-year, SWAIMS has held several well-attended virtual and in-person events on maritime security in West Africa.
Some of the presentations from these events are on our SlideShare account.
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