The Sierra Leone Navy has completed a training exercise supported by the European Union and the Portuguese Navy to strengthen its capacity to tackle illegal fishing, human trafficking and other crimes at sea.
The training focused on maritime surveillance, boarding operations, evidence handling, and the operation and maintenance of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). These skills are intended to help naval personnel better protect Sierra Leone’s territorial waters.
The exercise was supported through the EU-funded Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) project, implemented by Instituto Camões. The project provides equipment and specialised training to Sierra Leone and neighbouring Gulf of Guinea countries to strengthen maritime security across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski hosted a reception on Monday to mark the completion of the training. Those attending included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Jeneba Bangura, and Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Morie Lengor Esq.
Members of the diplomatic corps, security partners and Lt. Cdr. Nelson Santos Martins, Commanding Officer of the visiting Portuguese naval frigate NRP Álvares Cabral, also attended.
Officials at the gathering emphasised the importance of maritime security to Sierra Leone’s national development and the protection of its economic interests.
They highlighted the continuing threat posed by illicit activities at sea and called for sustained cooperation built on mutual trust and transparency to protect regional waters.
