Since the implementation of SEACOP, the project has established a fruitful and sustainable relationship with Senegal. This cooperation is based on various exchanges with the aim of strengthening the country’s capacity in its efforts to tackle illicit maritime traffic and related criminal networks. This constructive partnership is illustrated by numerous collaborative activities such as the visit and training sessions organised by SEACOP in Dakar from 7th to 11th March. Present at these activities were the SEACOP Project Director, Mr. Dominique Bucas, the SEACOP Regional Coordinator for West Africa, Mr. Eric Wiart, as well as the Deputy Regional Coordinator, Mr. Thierry Thimon.
On the 7th of March, the visit started with a meeting between the Delegation of SEACOP and the Senegalese Minister of the Interior, Mr. Antoine Felix Abdoulaye Diome.
Within the framework of operational and technical capacity building, SEACOP also organised a week-long training on targeting and searching criminal activities in relation to maritime vessels. This training included theoretical and practical exercises for the members of the Joint Maritime Control Unit (JMCU) of Senegal. As part of this training, the ten JMCU officers received new individual safety equipment (helmets, overalls, safety shoes, gloves. Support from SEACOP has demonstrated its efficiency through several operations in Senegal, including when the above-mentioned Unit, which includes police officers, customs officers and gendarmes, contributed to the seizure of 2 tons of cocaine in the port of Dakar last October.
The SEACOP training in Dakar ended with a closing ceremony attended by the EUD representative in Dakar, Ms Ilaria Mussetti, the SEACOP Project Director, Mr Dominique Bucas, and the National Coordinator for the fight against drugs (Secretary General of the Inter-ministerial Committee for the Fight against Drugs, CILAD). Following speeches from officials, a presentation of the training was provided by the two experts from the French Customs. To conclude the ceremony, certificates were delivered to each training’s participants. The ceremony, which was widely covered by the media, was attended by representatives of various EU embassies, Frontex and the main Senegalese administrations (customs, police, gendarmerie) involved in the fight against illicit trafficking.
SEACOP’s capacity support also continues in 5 other country partners, located in West Africa, where the project is currently implemented. Indeed, other units should soon be equipped in Togo, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde.
