From October 8 to 12, 2026, the Senegalese Navy and the Portuguese frigate NRP Álvares Cabral conducted an operational training exercise in Dakar, as part of the Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) program, funded by the European Union. This initiative aims to strengthen the capabilities of West African maritime stakeholders in combating criminal activities at sea.
Strengthening Maritime Intervention and Investigation Capabilities
Held in Dakar, this exercise focused on maritime intervention procedures, with a particular emphasis on the collection, preservation, and handling of evidence. Mastering these procedures is essential to ensuring the integrity of the evidence gathered and its admissibility before the relevant courts. These skills contribute directly to the fight against illegal fishing, drug trafficking, smuggling, and other forms of maritime crime. The training brought together two officers from the Portuguese maritime police, members of a Portuguese Navy boarding team, and personnel from the Senegalese Navy. The exchange facilitated the sharing of knowledge and best practices regarding maritime investigations, inspections, and law enforcement at sea, while also strengthening interoperability between the teams.
Cooperation in Support of Regional Maritime Security
During the port call of a Portuguese frigate in Dakar, an official luncheon was held aboard the NRP *Álvares Cabral*. Attendees included Aude Maio-Coliche, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Senegal; Cristina Pucarinho, Ambassador of Portugal to Senegal; Michele Tommasi, Ambassador of Italy to Senegal; and Captain Abdou Diallo, representing the Senegalese Navy.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the Portuguese and European naval presence in the region, as well as joint efforts to strengthen maritime security.
Through its support for the SWAIMS program, the European Union contributes to developing the operational capabilities of West African nations and enhancing regional cooperation in the face of threats to maritime spaces.
SWAIMS: A regional program supported by the European Union
The SWAIMS (Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security) program is an initiative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), funded by the European Union and implemented by Portugal.
The program is managed and co-funded by the Camões Institute (Camões, I.P.), with the participation of the Portuguese Ministry of National Defence—through the Directorate-General for National Defence Policy—the Portuguese Navy, and the National Maritime Authority.
By supporting training, the sharing of expertise, and cooperation among maritime forces, SWAIMS contributes to promoting a safer West African maritime domain, for the benefit of the region’s populations, economies, and trade.