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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea as senior naval and coast guard leaders from across the region gathered in Dakar for the 9th Symposium of Chiefs of Naval Staff and Coast Guard Commanders.
The high-level meeting, held from 18 to 20 November 2025, was co-chaired by the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Damtien Tchintchibidja, and Senegal’s Minister of Armed Forces, General Birame Diop.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, Vice-President Tchintchibidja underscored the critical role the Gulf of Guinea plays in global and regional stability.
She described the maritime zone as a “strategic artery” for the world economy, citing its contribution to oil production and its importance to international trade routes.
She stated that despite its vast economic potential, the Gulf remains vulnerable to threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other criminal activities that undermine coastal livelihoods and regional security.
In her remarks, the Vice-President highlighted ECOWAS’ ongoing work to support member states in defending their maritime space.
She specifically referenced the ECOWARN early warning system, which tracks emerging risks related to maritime crime, enabling governments to respond more swiftly to security challenges.
According to her, ECOWARN remains a central pillar in ECOWAS’ broader security architecture, helping member states “monitor risks related to maritime security and criminal activities affecting coastal communities.”
The Dakar symposium brought together naval chiefs, coast guard commanders, defence officials, and regional security experts to assess recent developments in the Gulf of Guinea and explore new strategies for coordinated responses.
Discussions focused on intelligence sharing, joint patrols, maritime domain awareness, and strengthening regional mechanisms for crisis prevention.
ECOWAS’ co-chairing role at the symposium signals the bloc’s renewed push to deepen defence cooperation among West and Central African nations at a time when maritime threats continue to evolve in scale and sophistication.
The three-day event forms part of broader efforts by regional and international partners to safeguard one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime corridors.
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