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RECOPORT ESA 25: A Strategic Exercise to Strengthen Port Security in Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean

From January 27 to 31, 2025, the RECOPORT ESA 25 exercise took place in Antananarivo, Madagascar, under the auspices of the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Center (RMIFC) and the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA). This regional exercise brought together key maritime security stakeholders, including UNODC, INTERPOL, and CRIMARIO, with the objective of enhancing information-sharing practices among ports to improve regional cooperation and maritime security.

The Western Indian Ocean is a strategic region, with over 9.84 billion tons of goods transiting annually and increasing security challenges, including piracy, drug trafficking, and smuggling. In this context, RECOPORT ESA 25 aimed to test and improve the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of participating ports, including Toamasina, Anjouan, Dar-es-Salaam, Port Louis, Mahé, and Mombasa.

One of the key objectives was to streamline information exchange between ports and maritime organizations, leveraging platforms such as IORIS, developed by CRIMARIO, and the Container Control Programme led by UNODC.

One of the fundamental aspects of RECOPORT ESA 25 was the organization of simulation exercises, designed to assess the ability of port infrastructures and relevant authorities to respond to concrete threats. Each participating country was assigned a specific scenario, tailored to its maritime context and security challenges.

The exercise assessment highlighted a significant improvement in information-sharing between port actors and security agencies. The lessons learned will help refine information exchange procedures and response strategies across the region.

The final day of the exercise emphasized the success of this first edition, despite it being the first time some participants used the IORIS platform. The exercise demonstrated the ability of regional stakeholders to collaborate effectively and strengthen information-sharing for port security.

One of the main achievements was the creation of the "IORIS HUB" on the IORIS OPS platform, further consolidating progress in maritime coordination. Additionally, discussions were held on expanding RECOPORT to new partners and states, reflecting a commitment to broaden and sustain this initiative.

This first edition lays the foundation for enhanced cooperation in maritime and port security, with a perspective of continuous improvement in future sessions.

This initiative is aligned with UNODC Strategic Vision for Africa 2030, which promotes sustainable development and the protection of Africa's natural resources and also securing the safety of African people from organized crime, terrorism and violence and contributes to the attainment of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, seeking to strengthen relevant national institutions to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Pooyan Shateri Kashi (pouyan.shateri@un.org)

Regional coordinator of Eastern & Southern Africa

Passenger and Cargo Control Programme

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime