Mauritius Hosts 4-Day African Maritime Forces Summit, Indian Ocean Security

The African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) opened on June 23 and ran until June 26, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation for maritime safety in the Indian Ocean. Speaking at the event’s opening, Police Commissioner Rampersad Sooroojebally highlighted the need for stronger efforts to protect the ocean.

He said, “A safe sea means a stronger future for all of us. We are investing in better services, new technologies, and stricter laws to safeguard our ocean.”

The summit gathers military and naval leaders from across Africa, along with international partners, to discuss key maritime security challenges.

Its goal is to improve regional maritime safety through coordination, shared strategies, and strengthened cooperation.

The event is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Navy’s European and African commands (NAVEUR/NAVAF) and the U.S. Marine Corps’ European and African units (MARFOREUR/AF), with hosting duties shared by Mauritius and the United States.

Participants, including Sooroojebally, Marine General Robert Sofge, Rear Admiral Michael Mattis, and U.S. Ambassador Henry Jardine, emphasized the importance of international collaboration.

They focused on combating drug trafficking, illegal fishing, pollution, and cross-border criminal networks.

Sooroojebally stressed, “Understanding the threats we face is essential to protecting our people, economies, and environment.

Working with international partners ensures our regional efforts are backed by global cooperation and shared responsibility.”

He added, “The ocean is our lifeline. If we don’t protect it, we risk losing our natural resources, peace, and prosperity.”

General Sofge acknowledged Africa’s vital role in safeguarding key waterways.

“A strong, capable, and coordinated maritime force is essential to defending common interests and promoting stability,” he said.

When asked by the media whether the summit would address the Middle East situation, Sofge replied that discussing ongoing military operations was not appropriate.

Ambassador Jardine highlighted Mauritius’s strategic importance in the Indian Ocean. “Mauritius’s open democratic society, respect for the rule of law, and proactive maritime stance make it an ideal host,” he said.

He also mentioned the recent agreement between Mauritius and the UK over Chagos sovereignty, stating:

“This has strengthened the partnership between the U.S. and Mauritius to maintain regional stability and ensure the Indian Ocean remains open and free for the coming century.”

Source: l’Express