Kribi Port Welcomes Its First Military Vessel
Kribi Port Welcomes Its First Military Vessel
The French fleet Somme docks at the Mboro quay
On October 23, 2019, the Deep Seaport of Kribi marked a historic milestone by welcoming its very first military vessel: the French fleet Somme.
A diplomatic and strategic event
Under the coordination of the Port Commander, the French Navy vessel docked smoothly at the Mboro quay. Measuring over 150 meters in length with a draft of 9 meters, the ship carried 180 crew members and military equipment as part of the Grand Africa Nemo 2019 exercise.
Objectives of the exercise
Launched by France in collaboration with several African navies, the exercise aims to:
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strengthen the fight against maritime crime and insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea;
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enhance the operational capacities of African administrations engaged in State action at sea;
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develop joint strategies to combat piracy, marine pollution, illicit trafficking, and to improve maritime rescue operations.
A strengthened partnership
Beyond a diplomatic stopover, this call confirmed Kribi Port’s ability to handle large-scale vessels. The quality of the port’s facilities and the expertise of its operators were showcased, further enhancing the port’s credibility and visibility on the regional and international stage.
Regional cooperation
The drills, simulating various maritime crisis scenarios such as ship boarding, rescue, and control operations, involved Nigerian forces as well as sailors, gendarmes, and customs officers from several African countries. Through this initiative, France contributes its expertise to a regional security process launched in Yaoundé in 2013.
A new chapter begins
This first military stopover opens the door to future calls and transits, facilitating the shipment of military and logistical equipment not only to Cameroon but also to neighboring hinterland countries.
