The African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership is a five-phased program to enable African partner nations to build maritime security capacity and improve management of their maritime environment through real-world combined maritime law enforcement operations.

A strong maritime presence is critical to ensuring local fisheries are protected and commercial shipping lanes stay open to sustain global commerce. The operational phases of the AMLEP program reinforce the skill sets developed as part of the annual Africa Partnership Station exercises in a real-world operation and improves the detection, boarding, and law enforcement activities that are necessary for maritime security.

Many of these African coastal nations rely on fishing for food and as a significant contributor of revenue and jobs to local economies. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, along with the other illicit activities that take place in African waters, negatively impact the nation’s economy and directly contribute to instability throughout the Gulf of Guinea region. The AMLEP end goal is for an African partner nation to be able to conduct law enforcement operations independently of U.S. efforts and effectively address ever-changing maritime threats.