EU extends military training and maritime operations in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The European Union Council has prolonged the mandates of its two Common Security and Defence Policy [CSDP] missions in Somalia and Operation ATALANTA, it has said amid the withdrawal of the US Africa Command troops from the war-torn nation.

The mandate of EUCAP Somalia, the EU's civilian capacity-building mission, EUTM Somalia, the EU's military training mission, and Operation ATALANTA, the EU’s executive military maritime operation, will now run until 31 December 2022, the council added in a press release.

The decision was taken in the context of the holistic and coordinated strategic review of CSDP engagement in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, with the aim to consolidate and strengthen the EU’s response to evolving security context and enhance its role as a security provider.

Capitalizing on the successes of suppressing piracy off the coast of Somalia, the mandate of Operation ATALANTA was expanded to some secondary executive tasks of countering the trafficking of weapons and narcotic drugs, and non-executive tasks of monitoring illegal activities at sea.

With this mandate, Operation ATALANTA will contribute to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Somalia and will support the ongoing fight against Al Shabaab and its funding streams. Al-Shabaab remains a threat across East Africa according to the Department of Defense.

"The Military Planning and Conduct Capability [MPCC] is responsible at the Strategic Level for the operational planning and implementation of this mission. The current Mission Force Commander is Brigadier General Fabiano ZINZONE."

Since its establishment in late 2008 in response to the rising levels of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean, Operation ATALANTA has contributed significantly to the suppression of piracy, as well as the protection of the vessels of the World Food Programme [WFP], African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] and other vulnerable shipping.

Operation deters, prevents, and represses acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea thus reducing the threat to the international maritime community. Additionally, the Operation has monitored the fishing activities off the coast of Somalia and supported other EU CSDP missions and international organizations working to strengthen maritime security and capacity in the region.

Launched in July 2012 as EUCAP Nestor, EUCAP Somalia contributes to the establishment and capacity building of maritime civilian law enforcement capability in Somalia, including Somaliland.

EUTM Somalia implements its mandate utilizing a three-pillar approach that focuses on training, mentoring, and the provision of strategic advice to the Somali National Army (SNA). With this latest renewal, EUTM Somalia enters its 7th mandate since it was launched in April 2010.

GAROWE ONLINE