Comoros has set up a National Maritime Security Committee to coordinate key areas of maritime security after a national workshop held in the capital, Moroni, with support from the IMO and its partners.
The workshop, held from 31 March to 2 April, marked a shift from planning to implementation. It built on progress made during an earlier session in December 2024, which focused on reviewing the country’s maritime security framework and drafting the Committee’s Terms of Reference.
The training was part of the EU-funded Port Security and Safety of Navigation project and brought together 19 participants from different government ministries, departments and agencies involved in maritime security.
Officials from the police, customs, coast guard, Directorate of Civil Protection, Maritime Affairs Agency, port authorities, Gendarmerie Nationale, National Center for State Action at Sea, Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency, Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Defence took part. Their involvement showed a clear national commitment to a coordinated, government-wide approach to maritime security.
During the sessions, participants worked on defining the committee’s purpose, legal foundation, scope and mandate. They also discussed its structure, membership and how it will operate. These efforts helped build agreement across institutions and highlighted the need for stronger cooperation to address maritime security issues.
The initiative aims to improve coordination, cooperation and decision-making in managing and reducing maritime and port security risks.
It also reflects the IMO’s continued support to member countries in developing practical and sustainable approaches to maritime security.
African Maritime Council