On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, off the coast of the Wouri River, Cameroon participated in the multinational maritime security exercise Grand Africa Nemo (GANO), as part of its maritime cooperation with France and the Interregional Coordination Center.
This exercise aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the navies of the Gulf of Guinea, which are engaged in the Yaoundé Architecture, promoting an integrated approach to maritime security.
For Cameroon, the exercise focuses on consolidating multisectoral cooperation and interoperability among the administrations involved in State Action at Sea, notably through the implementation of the National Plan for Combating Accidental Oil Spills at Sea (PNLDAH).
The Cameroonian Navy deployed approximately 300 personnel, 5 patrol vessels, 2 transport and supply ships, 7 fast boats, as well as its coastal surveillance centers and the Safety Training and Instruction Center.
Background: Following the creation of the Cameroonian Armed Forces by Ordinance No. 59/57 on 11 November 1959, the Navy was officially established on 5 May 1961, in a context of political turbulence. Its initial missions included monitoring the coast, preventing unauthorized imports into the national territory that could fuel unrest, and supporting the Army in blocking infiltrations of personnel and equipment that could undermine security operations. The Navy has evolved gradually since its inception.
In terms of human resources, the Navy grew from 25 sailors in 1965 to over 5,000 well-trained personnel today, capable of manning all types of warships. Regarding equipment, the Navy initially had only three coastal patrol boats—Patrie du Cameroun, Vigilant, and Audacieux—as well as landing craft vessels (LCVPs)—Indépendance and Réunification.
Source: actucameroun
