EUTM Somalia)
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COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY EU military mission to contribute to the training of the Somali Security Forces (EUTM Somalia) Updated: January 2013 On the 7 April 2010, the EU launched a Military Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) in order to contribute to strengthening the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the institutions of Somalia. This support continues to take place within the framework of the EU's comprehensive engagement in Somalia, with a view to responding to the priority needs of the Somali people, its new government and stabilizing Somalia. Since then, EUTM Somalia has contributed to the training of approximately 3,000 Somali soldiers in four different intakes, with a focus on the training of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), Junior Officers, specialists and trainers. Training has been provided in Uganda due to the political and security situation in Somalia, in close collaboration with the Ugandan Defence Forces. EUTM Somalia has become well known and highly respected by the International Community, and has established enduring cooperation with all the stakeholders and key players in the region. On 22 January 2013, the Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of EUTM Somalia until March 2015. The Council also appointed Brigadier General Gerald Aherne, (Ireland) as the new Mission Commander from 1 February 2013. He succeeds Colonel Michael Beary (Ireland). The new EUTM Somalia mandate implies a significant change of focus of the mission from Uganda to Somalia. Residual training activities in Uganda will focus on the training of commanders up to battalion and company level and specialists of the Somali National Armed Forces in the areas of military police, civilian-military cooperation, intelligence and combat engineering. The training also covers international humanitarian law and human rights, as well as the protection of civilians, including specific protection needs of women and children. Incoming Mission Commander, Brig. In addition, EUTM Somalia will provide political and strategic Gen. Gerald AHERNE, receiving EU Flag from H.E. Roberto Ridolfi, Head advice to Somali authorities within the security institutions of EU Delegation to Uganda P R E S S - T e l : + 3 2 ( 0 ) 2 2 8 1 7 367 [email protected] - www.consilium.europa.eu/csdp (Ministry of Defence and General Staff), support and advice on security sector development as well as specific mentoring, advice and capacity building in the training domain. The main elements of this EU military mission are as follows: Currently, EUTM Somalia takes place mainly in Uganda where the Mission Headquarters (in Kampala) and the training camp in Bihanga (350 km south-west of Kampala) are located. The Headquarters includes a liaison office in Nairobi (Kenya) and a support cell in Brussels. This structure will change when the new mandate will be fully implemented. The final aim is to conduct all EUTM activities in Mogadishu as soon as conditions allow. EUTM Somalia operates in close cooperation and coordination with other international actors, in particular the United Nations, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Uganda and the United States of America. Operational parameters The Political and Security Committee (PSC) exercises the political control and strategic direction of the EUTM Somalia, under the responsibility of the Council of the European Union and of the High Representative. For its part, the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) monitors the correct execution of the mission conducted under the responsibility of the Mission Commander. The common funding of the mission has a reference amount for the new mandate of €11.6 million. The European Union's comprehensive approach In addition to EUTM Somalia, a range of EU instruments are contributing to the build-up of the security sector in Somalia, in cooperation with international partners. EU NAVFOR – Operation ATALANTA, whilst mainly addressing the symptoms of causes that lie on land, is also providing some limited maritime capacity building within means and capabilities. In addition, the EU has recently launched its third CSDP action in the region, “EUCAP Nestor”, a civilian mission that is currently being deployed and will support regional maritime capacity building, in particular in order to better tackle piracy from land. The EU supports the Somali institutions that have the FACTS AND FIGURES responsibility to lead the Mission area: Uganda/Somalia Headquarters: Kampala process towards a peaceful Starting date of new mandate: 1 February 2013 Somalia. The EU continues to Mission Commander: Brigadier General Gerald engage with the Somali Aherne Troop strength: 125 at Max Federal Government and Mission budget: EUR 11.6 million Contributing states: 12 member states (BE, supports its efforts towards improving the living DE,ES,FI,EL,HU,IE,IT,MT,PT,SE,UK) and 1 Third State (Serbia). conditions of the population, www.consilium.europa.eu/eutm-somalia including in the field of security and delivery of basic services. The EU supports the principles laid down in the Djibouti Peace Agreement, including the spirit of reconciliation and the search for an inclusive process in Somalia. 2 The EU supports AMISOM financially, in terms of planning and capacity building. The EU has contributed over €411 million to AMISOM through its African Peace Facility (APF), ensuring continued support since its launch in March 2007. Furthermore, €4.7 million have been provided under the Instrument for Stability to support AMISOM planning capacity. The EU also pledged an additional €20 million from the European Development Fund to the Somali police force and justice sector through the UNDP Rule of Law programme, making the total amount of EU support through this channel €43 million. The Joint Strategy Paper for Somalia for 2008-2013 has been implemented through an allocation of €412 million under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) managed by the European Commission. It covers three main sectors of cooperation: governance and security, education and economic opportunities. The issue of the security of maritime routes is also included in the European Commission's Instrument for Stability Indicative Programme 2009-2011. The European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) includes the gradual framing of a common defence policy which might in time lead to a common defence. The CSDP allows the Union to develop its civilian and military capacities for crisis management and conflict prevention at international level, thus helping to maintain peace and international security, in accordance with the United Nations Charter. The CSDP includes a strong conflict prevention component. More information and background documents available on: www.consilium.europa.eu/csdp - www.consilium.europa.eu/eutm-somalia - www.eeas.europa.eu 3 .