rom 11 to 14 April EUCAP Nestor hosted a meeting Nairobi aimed at identifying Somali maritime security priorities and operational capability, in order to plan support for improved maritime security in Somalia.
The exercise will feed into the European Union Member States’ and European External Action Service’s planning of EUCAP Nestor engagement in Somalia 2017-2018.
Participating in the gathering were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Security of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Mohamed Jama, the Deputy Commissioner of the Somali Police Force, General Bashir, the Somaliland Minister of Interior, Ali Mohamed Warancade, the Commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard, Admiral Mohamed Hussein Farah and the Somaliland Coast Guard-Ministry of Interior Liaison Officer, Mrs Suhuur Abdilahi.
The “EU family” was represented by EU Member States, the EU Delegation to Somalia (EUDEL), EU NAVFOR Operation ATALANTA, EU Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM), and the Brussels-based Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability and Operations Centre. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also attended.
In their presentations, the Somali participants stressed the importance of being included in the planningphase of operational support, expressing appreciation for the EUCAP Nestor initiative.
According to remarks made by the participants, the exchange of information was fruitful in addressing challenges, expectations and possibilities, as a preliminary step before detailing future activities.
“I believe this is the way forward, as it is crucial to listen and understand what the needs of our Somali counterparts are, whilst at the same time managing Somali expectation on what EU Common Security and Defence Policy Mission are able to deliver. The participation of EUNAVFOR, EUTM, EUDEL and UNODC guarantees a coherent and comprehensive approach, enhancing chance of success”, said
Simonetta Silvestri, Acting Head of EUCAP Nestor’s mission, expressing satisfaction for the frank and open discussions among all parties involved in making Somalia a safer place.
Background
EUCAP Nestor is a civilian EU mission, under the auspices of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, which assists Somalia in strengthening its capacity to ensure maritime security and in particular to fight piracy.
EUCAP Nestor – Somalia Office
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