Brussels, 22/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - EUCAP Nestor, the civilian mission of the EU aiming to reinforce regional maritime capacity in the Horn of Africa which is due to expire in July, has been extended until 12 December 2016. This decision was made by the Council of the EU without debate on Tuesday 22 July.
EUCAP Nestor, which was launched in July 2012, supports the creation of regional maritime capabilities in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. It aims to help the states of the region to have full control over their territorial waters to allow them to fight piracy more effectively. It principally offers advice, management and training for the coastguards, players in the maritime criminal judicial system and the civilian coastal police. Activities are currently underway in Somalia, Djibouti, the Seychelles and, since December 2013, in Tanzania via a liaison officer.
Etienne de Poncins has headed up the mission since 16 July 2013. EUCAP Nestor is headquartered in Djibouti. It is made up of around 80 international agents and 13 local agents spread between the general headquarters and a number of national offices. The mission has a budget of €11.9 million for the period from November 2013 to October 2014.
EUCAP Nestor is part of the EU's global approach to fighting piracy in the Horn of Africa. It complements the EUNAVFOR Somalia mission (EU naval forces off the coast of Somalia) and the military training mission of the EU in Somalia, EUTM Somalia. (AN)