Brussels: The European Council in Brussels has sanctioned £5 million in aid under the European Peace Facility aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Congolese navy. This financial support is intended to enable the Congolese navy to intensify its patrols in the Gulf of Guinea, facilitating cooperation with partner countries' vessels engaged in maritime security operations in the region under the Yaoundé Architecture. According to Emirates News Agency, the package will also include training for maritime maintenance and relevant support such as workshops and consumables, which are essential to restoring the operational capabilities of the Congolese patrol boats. This initiative aligns with the deployment of EU member states' naval forces in the Gulf of Guinea, contributing to a coordinated maritime presence that aims to enhance situational awareness and prevent unlawful activities at sea. This decision is part of a broader effort by the European Council to bolster maritime security in the regio n, complementing two previously approved aid measures. These measures, valued at £21 million and £5 million, were sanctioned on November 27, 2023, and June 13, 2024, respectively, to enhance the naval capabilities of Ghana, Cameroon, and Benin. These efforts support their commitment to the Yaoundé Architecture and improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.