From March 19th to 22nd, 2024, the Interregional Maritime Security Institute (ISMI) organized a training session in Libreville, Gabon, focusing on crisis management in cases of maritime pollution caused by hydrocarbons. This initiative, conducted with the support of the French Center for Documentation, Research, and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution (CEDRE), aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge for crisis management related to accidental sea pollution or threats thereof.
Twenty trainees from seven coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea, representing both governmental bodies and industries, have actively participated in this training since March 19th. The event received support and funding from French cooperation (Directorate of Security and Defense Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Upon completion, attendees will possess the skills necessary to join crisis management centers and contribute to the development of emergency response plans at sea, addressing challenges posed by maritime pollution.
It’s noteworthy that the Interregional Maritime Security Institute (ISMI), a part of the Regional Academy of Maritime Sciences and Techniques (ARSTM) in Abidjan, is committed to promoting safe maritime environments within preserved ecosystems. The recently concluded training session in Libreville underscores ISMI’s dedication to enhancing crisis management capabilities among maritime stakeholders, particularly in addressing the complexities of Maritime Pollution. This event, attended by participants primarily from Central African countries within the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), was certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Commentary: Founded in 2015 by Côte d’Ivoire and France, ISMI serves West and Central African states in bolstering their maritime capabilities, aligning with the objectives of the Yaoundé Declaration for regional maritime security. With over 3000 trainees since its inception, ISMI symbolizes France’s commitment to fostering regional maritime security architecture in Africa.
