Exercise Obangame Express 2026 (OE26), sponsored by United States Africa Command and conducted by the United States Sixth Fleet, has commenced in Cameroon with an opening ceremony held on April 23.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Sixth Fleet Vice Commander, Jason Naidyhorski, emphasised the strategic importance of maritime security to global stability.
“Maritime security is not just a naval concern; it is a vital component of national and regional stability,” he said, noting that with about 90 per cent of global trade conducted by sea, safeguarding maritime routes remains a shared priority.
Obangame Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet to foster collaboration between African forces and international partners in addressing maritime security challenges.
The 2026 exercise, which runs from April 13 to May 1, marks the 15th iteration of the exercise, first hosted in Cameroon, underscoring sustained efforts to enhance maritime security in West Africa.
During the exercise, U.S. forces will train alongside participants from 30 countries across Europe, Africa and South America to strengthen maritime law enforcement capacity, improve interoperability and enhance regional security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
The exercise also supports key African maritime security frameworks, including the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security, aimed at curbing illegal activities and protecting maritime economies.
Chargé d’Affaires to Cameroon, John G. Robinson, highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving maritime security objectives.
He noted that while equipment and training are essential, effective collaboration among navies, regional neighbours and international partners remains critical to addressing evolving maritime threats.
Obangame Express provides a platform for participating navies to enhance communication between ships, shore facilities and maritime operations centres through realistic training scenarios.
Participating countries in the exercise include Angola, Benin, Belgium, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, Tunisia and the United States.
The U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, conducts a wide range of naval operations in collaboration with allies and partners to promote security and stability across Europe and Africa.
