EU Partners with Portuguese Navy to Strengthen Sierra Leone Maritime Security
The European Union, in collaboration with the Portuguese Navy, has successfully delivered specialized maritime training to the Sierra Leone Navy, significantly bolstering the nation's ability to combat illegal fishing, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes in its territorial waters.
The comprehensive training program focused on critical operational areas, including advanced maritime surveillance, tactical boarding operations, legal evidence handling, and the maintenance of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). The initiative aims to enhance operational readiness and response times to illicit sea activities across the country's coastline.
Financed through the EU-funded Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) project and implemented by Instituto Camões, the program forms part of a broader regional effort to fortify security and stability across the Gulf of Guinea.
To commemorate the successful completion of the training, EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski hosted a diplomatic reception on Monday in Freetown. The high-level gathering convened senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, international security partners, and representatives from the visiting Portuguese Navy.
Dignitaries in attendance included Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jeneba Bangura; Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor; and Lieutenant Commander Nelson Santos Martins, Commanding Officer of the Portuguese frigate NRP Álvares Cabral.
Addressing the guests, officials underscored the strategic link between robust maritime security, national sovereignty, and economic prosperity, highlighting the necessity of protecting marine resources from unlawful exploitation.
Leaders concluded the event by emphasizing the vital role of sustained multilateral cooperation, mutual trust, and transparent partnerships in maintaining regional stability and safeguarding the maritime economic interests of West African nations.
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