Maritime Security in the Comoros: The CNAEM Trains Its Personnel in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

The National Centre for State Action at Sea (CNAEM) has launched a training session on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) for its recently seconded personnel.

This is the first training organized within CNAEM, marking a decisive step in its operationalization and in strengthening the capacities of its human resources.

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Maritime and Air Transport, representing the Minister, who delivered the opening remarks.

The ceremony also featured an address by Colonel Saïd Hamza, Maritime Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the National Development Army (AND) and National Focal Point for the Union of the Comoros within the Regional Maritime Security Architecture (RMSA), who outlined the strategic orientations of CNAEM.

This session follows the success of similar trainings held in Madagascar and Réunion, and is part of a broader regional effort to strengthen maritime security capacities.

The training targets national liaison officers from various administrations contributing to State Action at Sea, recently seconded to CNAEM, including: the National Agency for Maritime Affairs (ANAM), the Société Comorienne des Ports (SCP), the National Fisheries Monitoring Centre (CNSP), the Comorian Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Civil Security, as well as other entities.

It is delivered by three regional experts:

• Captain Said Lavani, International Liaison Officer representing the Union of the Comoros at the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC), and training coordinator,
• Lieutenant Santa Miakadanja, Maritime Analyst at the RMIFC,
• Mr. Ian Pillay, expert from the National Centre of Seychelles.

It is important to highlight the dynamism and commitment of Ms. Nabsoiti Soulaimane, Director of CNAEM, whose decisive involvement made the successful organization of this first training session possible.

Supported financially by the European Union under the Safe Seas Africa program and with technical assistance from the Indian Ocean Maritime Safety and Security Institute (MASE/ISSMOI), this training is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacities of national centers of States that are signatories to the Regional Maritime Security Architecture (RMSA), coordinated and facilitated by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

The training aims to share best practices in maritime domain awareness, strengthen information sharing between States and administrations, and enhance inter-agency coordination in order to better respond to maritime security challenges.

The training will run until May 1, 2026.