The European Union’s Maritime Capacity Building Mission in the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean…
The European Union’s Maritime Capacity Building Mission in the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean (EUCAP Nestor) is set to open a base in the Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland.
The move came following talks between Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and EU head of Civilian Operations Commander for all Civilian Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP) Missions Mr Kenneth Dean in the state’s capital, Garowe on Wednesday.
EUCAP Nestor is a civilian EU mission, under the auspices of the Common Security and Defence Policy, which assists host countries in the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean region in strengthening their capacity to ensure maritime security and in particular to fight piracy.
According to a press statement, both sides discussed on ways of strengthening relations between Puntland and European Union in areas of security, Education, health and other fields.
Mr Kenneth Dean confirmed that the mission will set up a base in Garowe and will enhance the cooperation between two sides. The major aim will be to train Puntland forces to fight against Piracy and terrorism, according to officials.
EUCAP Nestor permanent deployment into Somalia marks a shift of the mission activities in this Country. Strengthening the existing legal and law enforcement frameworks related to anti-piracy and developing maritime security capacity instruments can only benefit by a permanent presence on Somali soil.
Although piracy has diminished at sea in the Horn of Africa as a result of the EU as well as International and local engagement, “Pirates are still out there. They remain ashore ready to act at any opportunity. Our objective is to strengthen the action on the ground in order to help Somali Authorities to identify them and dismantle their structures”, says the Head of EUCAP Nestor mission Etienne de Poncins.
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