EU Approves €5M Boost for Congolese Navy in Gulf of Guinea Patrols

The European Council has approved an aid package of €5 million under the European Peace Facility to enhance the operational capabilities of the Congolese navy. This funding will enable the Congolese navy to strengthen its patrols in the Gulf of Guinea, facilitating cooperation with partner countries’ vessels engaged in maritime security operations in the region as part of the Yaoundé Architecture.

This latest package will provide targeted support, including training in maritime maintenance and essential resources, such as workshops and consumables, to restore and improve the operational capacity of Congolese patrol boats. By bolstering these capabilities, the European Union aims to support the Congolese navy in safeguarding regional waters against unlawful activities and enhancing situational awareness in the Gulf of Guinea.

The initiative aligns with the deployment of EU member states' naval forces within the Gulf of Guinea, part of a coordinated maritime presence designed to uphold maritime security and increase cooperation among nations with interests in the region.

This new funding complements previous aid measures of €21 million and €5 million, approved on 27th November 2023 and 13th June 2024, respectively. These prior contributions were directed towards enhancing the naval capabilities of Ghana, Cameroon, and Benin in line with the Yaoundé Architecture’s goal of strengthening regional maritime security. The European Council’s decision underscores the EU’s ongoing commitment to collaborative maritime security efforts in West Africa’s vital waters.