Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and Cabo Verde have launched cooperation on aerial surveillance flights aimed at tackling cross-border crime and saving lives at sea.
The flights aim to enhance situational awareness over the Atlantic, where increasing numbers of people risk their lives attempting dangerous crossings toward the Canary Islands.
During his visit to Praia, Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens joined Cabo Verdean partners to mark the start of these activities, led mostly by Minister of State, Minister of National Defence, Minister of Territorial Cohesion, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Parliamentary Affairs Janine Lélis. During his stay, Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens also met the Minister of Interior Paulo Rocha.
The enhanced aerial monitoring helps identify and track smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable people, contributing to the shared goal of preventing loss of life at sea. The flights will support early detection of vessels in need of assistance, providing information to rescue coordination centres on the African coast.
This cooperation supports wider regional efforts to strengthen maritime awareness and stability along the West African coast, reflecting the shared commitment of Frontex and Cabo Verde to protecting lives and combating cross-border crime through partnership.
