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Improving Port Security in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean: Overview of 2023

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provided assistance to stakeholders responsible for port security, ranging from prosecutors to customs officers in nine countries in the Eastern and Southern Africa region through the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) and Passenger and Cargo Border Team.

POETH Margaret Prison In 2023, UNODC successfully implemented training initiatives in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, and Angola under the EU Programme on Port Security and Safety of Navigation. This endeavour resulted in the enhancement of skills of more than 800 officers working in total in 17 ports equipping them with the necessary competencies to bolster port security.

Expanding on the accomplishments of the preceding year, the programme strategically broadened its scope to encompass additional ports, including Soyo in Angola and Toliara and Nosy Be in Madagascar. In addition, a Training of Trainers (ToT) component was introduced in Rodrigues, Mauritius and Victoria, Seychelles, underscoring the commitment to fostering sustainability and autonomy. Currently, nine proficient trainers are operational within these two countries, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless continuity of the training initiatives initiated during the programme.

The training exerted a tangible influence on participants, particularly those actively engaged in incident management. In Rodrigues, attendees were afforded the opportunity to participate in a drills focused on catastrophe preparedness, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. “These exercises in Rodrigues serve as a valuable learning experience, shedding light on areas that require improvement in disaster preparedness and port law enforcement,” quoted Jean Maxcy Raphael, National Coast Guard Chief Inspector in Rodrigues.

This project is being carried out in line with the 2050 African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS 2050) as well as UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030 under investment area 3 ‘Protecting Africa’s Resources and Livelihoods’, contributing to the Sustainable Management and Protection of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. David O’Connell (David.OConnell@un.org)

Western Indian Ocean Programme Coordinator

Global Maritime Crime Programme

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Click here to visit the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme website.