Monrovia, Liberia — Liberia has concluded the 2026 edition of Operation Anouanze IV, a regional maritime security exercise involving five West African countries.
The three-day operation ran from 24 to 26 August 2026 in Liberian waters. Forces from Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire took part.
The exercise was conducted under the ECOWAS Maritime Strategy. It covered about 917 nautical miles without a reported incident.
The operation ended with a closing ceremony at the Freeport of Monrovia. The event was hosted by Liberia’s Ministry of National Defence and the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Five nations join the patrol
Operation Anouanze IV brought together maritime forces from across West Africa.
The participating countries were:
- Liberia
- Ghana
- Sierra Leone
- Guinea
- Côte d’Ivoire
The joint patrol provided an opportunity for the participating forces to work together at sea.
It also allowed them to share information and improve coordination during maritime operations.
Exercise tests regional readiness
Liberian authorities described the exercise as an important test of regional maritime cooperation.
The Acting Commander of the Liberian Coast Guard said the operation showed what countries can achieve through joint action.
He said the patrols and information exchange improved the ability of participating forces to detect and respond to maritime threats.
The exercise also provided practical experience in coordinating maritime operations across national boundaries.
Ghana takes part in exercise
Ghana was represented by the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Anomotia.
The vessel was deployed to Liberia ahead of the exercise. Ghana’s participation reflects the country’s continued involvement in regional maritime security efforts.
Ghana and Liberia have worked with other West African countries on maritime security initiatives.
Such cooperation is important because maritime threats can extend across national waters.
Information sharing remains vital
One of the key benefits of the exercise was improved information sharing.
Maritime security agencies need timely information to identify potential threats.
They also need effective communication when incidents occur.
Joint exercises can help countries test these systems in realistic operating conditions.
The experience gained during Operation Anouanze IV could therefore support future regional operations.
ECOWAS strategy guides cooperation
The exercise was conducted under the ECOWAS Maritime Strategy.
The strategy promotes stronger cooperation among West African states on maritime security.
It also supports efforts to address threats affecting the region’s coastal waters.
A coordinated approach is important because West Africa has an interconnected maritime environment.
An incident in one country’s waters can have wider regional implications.
UNODC and ECOWAS support
The exercise received support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and ECOWAS.
Their involvement highlights the importance of international support for regional maritime cooperation.
The Liberian authorities thanked both organisations for sponsoring the exercise.
They also recognised the visiting crews and participating delegations for their contribution.
West Africa faces shared challenges
West African coastal states rely heavily on the sea for trade and economic activity.
The region’s maritime space supports shipping, fishing, offshore activities and port operations.
It also faces several security challenges.
These challenges require countries to share information and coordinate their responses.
Regional exercises such as Anouanze can help strengthen that cooperation.
Liberia calls for stronger ties
The conclusion of Operation Anouanze IV has renewed calls for closer regional cooperation.
Liberian authorities said continued collaboration is essential to maintaining maritime security.
The exercise also demonstrated the value of regular joint patrols.
Such operations can strengthen trust between participating maritime agencies.
They can also improve familiarity between personnel from different countries.
Exercise builds future capacity
Operation Anouanze IV was not only a patrol exercise.
It also served as a capacity-building opportunity.
Personnel gained experience in working with regional partners.
They also tested communication and information-sharing procedures.
These lessons can support future maritime security operations across West Africa.
Maritime cooperation must continue
The successful completion of the exercise does not remove the need for continued vigilance.
Regional maritime security requires sustained cooperation.
It also depends on strong institutions, effective information systems and trained personnel.
West African states will need to maintain these efforts as maritime activity grows.
Regular exercises can form an important part of that strategy.
Liberia strengthens regional role
Liberia’s hosting of Operation Anouanze IV highlights its role in regional maritime cooperation.
The country has continued to strengthen its maritime institutions and partnerships.
Its location along the West African coast also gives it an important role in regional maritime security.
The latest exercise adds to Liberia’s growing engagement with neighbouring coastal states.
A stronger regional approach
Operation Anouanze IV demonstrated the value of collective action.
Five countries worked together across a shared maritime environment.
The exercise covered hundreds of nautical miles without a reported incident.
More importantly, it created an opportunity for participating forces to improve cooperation and information sharing.
For West Africa, maintaining that cooperation will remain essential to protecting maritime activity and supporting regional economic development.
Reated Stories
- Original MaritimAfrica report
- Ghana News Agency report on GNS Achimota
- Liberia Maritime Authority
- ECOWAS official website
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Notes
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