On Monday, 5 August 2024, the launch of the operation “Safe Domain III”, for the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMC) in the ECOWAS area covering Togo, Nigeria and Benin, was held in Cotonou.
The YARIS system is one of the platforms selected by the authorities for communications and information sharing between centres in the context of the 2024 exercise, which has as its theme: “Protect the ECOWAS E blue economy through maritime security collaboration”.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, PhD, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security represented by Colonel Dieng Abdourahmane, PhD after recalling the Commission’s current 1st strategic objective concerning the strengthening of regional peace and security called for the effective implementation of maritime security aspects in the Gulf of Guinea in accordance with the principles ofYaoundé’s architecture.
After recalling that more than 90% of international trade transit by the hashtag #domainemaritime, he concluded by thanking the partners in the developments including the European Union which through the GoGIN (Gulf of Guinea Inter-Regional Network) project implemented by Expertise France has allowed the creation of the YARIS Platform. An indispensable tool for the fight against insecurity and illegal activities at sea in the sub-region for the coordination of maritime operations and the sharing of information between actors in the field.
The ongoing commitment and efforts under GoGIN II are aimed at transferring ownership, control and management of YARIS to regional authorities.
Sam Megwa, Strategic Director of GoGIN II, also thanked the ECOWAS Commission and the MMCC Zone E for their invitation and support.