The Institut de sécurité maritime interrégional (ISMI) in Côte d'Ivoire has taken a significant step in enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea by training 37 experts from West and Central Africa. The training, which concluded on September 25, 2026, focused on drone operation and maritime law. The ISMI, affiliated with the Académie régionale des sciences et techniques de la mer (ARSTM), aims to make the Gulf of Guinea a safer and more secure region.
The training program included the first-ever seminar on civilian drone piloting, conducted at the ISMI's new Drone Center. The center offers a comprehensive program to equip maritime administrations with advanced surveillance, intelligence, and emergency response capabilities. The initiative, funded by German Cooperation and conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), seeks to address complex maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking.
Fourteen experts from 10 French-speaking countries in West and Central Africa underwent rigorous training in drone piloting. The program aims to enhance the skills of maritime administrations in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and emergency response. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the region's efforts to combat maritime threats.
In addition to drone training, 23 participants completed a course on "Maritime Information Processing and Conducting Police Actions at Sea." The training, supported by French Cooperation, focused on enhancing participants' understanding of maritime security operations and the legal framework governing interventions at sea. The goal is to improve coordination among state agencies in maritime security operations.
The training programs were conducted with the support of international partners, including Germany, France, and the United Nations. The ISMI's efforts to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea have been widely recognized as a crucial step in addressing the region's security challenges. The region has long been plagued by piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats.
The ISMI's Drone Center is expected to play a critical role in enhancing maritime surveillance and security in the region. The center's training programs will enable maritime administrations to effectively utilize drone technology in their operations. This development is seen as a significant boost to regional efforts to combat maritime threats.
The training programs conducted by the ISMI demonstrate the institution's commitment to enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. With the support of international partners, the ISMI is working to build a safer and more secure maritime environment in the region. The institution's efforts are expected to have a lasting impact on regional maritime security.
Key points
- The ISMI has trained 37 experts from West and Central Africa in drone operation and maritime law to enhance Gulf of Guinea security.
- The ISMI's Drone Center offers a comprehensive program to equip maritime administrations with advanced surveillance, intelligence, and emergency response capabilities.
- The training programs were conducted with the support of international partners, including Germany, France, and the United Nations.
