Based on the recently completed Maritime Security Training Manual and Programme; IGAD Maritime Pillar of the Security Sector Programme, organised and delivered a productive course on Maritime Domain Awareness and Intelligence [MDA-I] which took place at the IGAD headquarters in Djibouti from Dec 01 – Dec 03 2014.
Delegates representing IGAD Member States gained expert insight into the strategic components that would contribute to the development of a Regional MDA- I aimed at securing Maritime Transport Systems [MTS]. More importantly due to the structure of the course delegates were able to provide Mr Daoud Alwan valuable insight and expertise that will help the formation of Integrated Regional Maritime Safety and Security Strategy, [RIMSSS]. Mr Trevor Wylie of African Maritime Safety Security Agency an intelligence expert from Northern Ireland said ‘this is one of the most dynamic and engaged groups that I have worked with.’ On the final day, Colonel Abdourahman Aden Cher, Commandant La Marine Djiboutienne [Navy] invited the MDA I delegates to an interesting and illuminating visit to the Naval Operational Centre based in Djibouti which culminated in a final briefing of operations by Capt. Elmi Ali. Outputs of the meeting included a report and considerations for further actions for the future.
This workshop is a major step of an almost two year process towards the validation and concrete implementation of the much needed Regional Integrated Maritime Safety and Security Strategy, for the 8 countries of IGAD. [Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopian, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda.
