The fifth meeting of the ECOWAS Sub-Committee of the Chiefs of Naval Staff took place in Accra, Ghana from February 18 to 20, 2026. The agenda included discussions on the status of maritime centres, the transfer of the Yaris platform, and the development of a Combined Maritime Task Force. A key focus was clarifying the legal status of personnel deployed at regional maritime centres to improve joint operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
Participants also reviewed progress made since their previous meeting in Cabo Verde. Updates were provided on implementing recommendations, establishing a framework for a combined maritime force in the Gulf of Guinea, and ongoing joint maritime operations.
In his opening address, Commodore Samuel AYELAZONO stated: “The Yaoundé process is important and calls for collective action to improve resource mobilization and information sharing.”
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau MUSAH commented on developments since adopting the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS), mentioning Operation “SAFE DOMAIN” in Zone E, Operation ANOUANZE in Zone F, and joint patrols in Zone G. He said: “There is a need for enhanced security cooperation to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.” He further urged Naval Chiefs and Coast Guard Commanders to focus on “the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (YARIS), the Combined Maritime Task Force, the legal status of ECOWAS maritime centres, and the manual of procedures.”
ECOWAS works toward advancing cooperation among its member states by harmonizing policies related to trade, transport, agriculture and social development with an aim to raise living standards and promote stability across West Africa (official website). The Commission is led by a president supported by other senior officials (official website). In recent years ECOWAS has increased transparency through measures such as launching a multilingual website (official website).
Programs managed by ECOWAS target twelve West African countries but are designed for potential expansion across a broader region (official website). The organization also works to align economic policy as well as legal frameworks among member states using tools like common external tariffs (official website).