Extending help to Somalia

In the context of EU's strengthened engagement in Somalia, EU Foreign Affairs and Defence ministers on 17 November agreed on a concept to train Somali security forces. The decision comes in response to a request from the transitional government in Mogadishu. Now the plan to launch a training mission can begin.

The EU conducted its first police mission in Kinshasa,
Democratic Republic of Congo, from April 2005 to June 2007.
The mission supported the Integrated Police Unit
under the National Congolese Police.
Photo: Council of the European Union

A maximum of 200 EU trainers are estimated to be required to instruct between 1000 and 2000 Somali policemen and soldiers. The operation is expected to take place in Uganda, with the agreement of Uganda's government.

The mission is based on the fact that piracy can only be combated effectively on the sea once the situation on land is under control. The project will therefore support the maritime security operation, Atalanta. The new security forces should contribute to restoring stability and peace and to promoting development in the war-torn country.

In the framework of Atalanta, the EU plays an important role in combating piracy in the region. That is why the Council is preparing to extend the operation for another year. Since December 2008, EU vessels have patrolled the waters off the Somali coast to protect ships against acts of piracy. This applies in particular to vessels of the UN World Food Programme delivering food to displaced persons in Somalia. 1.5 million people get to eat every day, thanks to the safe arrival of the food aid convoys.

The Council stressed the importance of the Somali government's ownership of the security force and its clear commitment to building a viable and sustainable security sector. It also emphasized that EU efforts must be closely coordinated with all relevant actors, in particular the UN and the African Union.

More information:
Council Press release (pdf)
Council webcast of press conference 
European Security and Defence Policy 
EU NAVFOR Somalia/Atalanta