Collaboration and Governance in Maritime Operations
On July 21, 2026, Admiral George Wikoff, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, engaged in a significant dialogue with Capitão de Navio Kahbi Yassine Fonseca Pereira Batista, the commander of the Cabo Verde Coast Guard, during the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS). This summit serves as a pivotal platform for discussing maritime governance, professional development, and regional collaboration among African nations. Cabo Verde, having hosted the inaugural summit in 2023, has consistently participated in these crucial discussions, leveraging its strategic position in the Atlantic and its expertise in maritime law enforcement to address the pressing security challenges that West African maritime forces face.
During their meeting, the leaders exchanged insights on various topics including maritime domain awareness, the importance of professional military education, and the critical connection between successful maritime operations and effective legal processes on land. They emphasized enhancing operational assessments and learning from past multinational engagements to better prepare for future missions. As Admiral Wikoff articulated, "Cabo Verde’s dedication to professional education, maritime governance, and ongoing improvement underscores the persistent effort needed to bolster maritime security. When operational capabilities are paired with well-trained professionals and robust legal frameworks, forces become more adept at safeguarding their waters and tackling shared regional issues.”
Enhancing Information Sharing and Practical Cooperation
The dialogue further explored the importance of maritime information sharing and the practical cooperation that can be fostered among navies, coast guards, and various law enforcement agencies operating within the region. Admiral Wikoff highlighted, "The value of these engagements lies in what partners integrate into their daily operations. By sharing experiences, conducting honest performance assessments, and applying learned lessons, we enhance our effectiveness as maritime partners.” This collaborative spirit was central to the AMFS, which was co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa. The summit convened representatives from over 40 African and partner nations, all united under the theme of "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security.”
As reported by c6f.navy.mil.
