Colonel Barthélemy Blédé joined the ISS in May 2014 as a senior researcher in the Peace Operations and Peacebuilding Division in Dakar. He was an invaluable member of the ISS Maritime project, serving with distinction in the ISS Dakar office and later in Abidjan from 2014 to 2017. During this time, he made significant contributions to maritime security and governance across the region. A proud ambassador of the ISS long after his departure, he is remembered for his professionalism, dedication and the warm collegiality he extended to all.

With over 35 years of experience in the maritime sector, Colonel Blédé was a leading figure in maritime security in West and Central Africa. His expertise spanned the blue economy, port management, maritime governance, and the involvement of non-state actors in securing maritime spaces. Before joining the ISS, he served as ISPS Code Manager at the Port of Abidjan and held several senior roles in the Ivorian maritime administration. He also leaves a lasting legacy as a trainer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra and as an author and contributor to influential maritime policy work.

At the time of his passing, Colonel Blédé had taken on a key leadership role in the European Union's new Safe Seas for Africa initiative.

Blédé passed away on 22 April 2025.