18/09/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 18 September, the Council of the EU extended the mandate of the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission for two years – in other words, until 30 September 2020. The Council also agreed on a budget of €63.4 million for the period 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2020. The EUCAP Sahel Niger mission provides advice and training to support the Nigerien authorities in strengthening their security capabilities in order to fight terrorism and organised crime. The mission also assists the Nigerien central and local authorities, as well as security forces, in developing the procedures and techniques to better control and address irregular migration, the Council states in a press release. The mission is based in Niamey and is directed by Belgian national Frank Van der Mueren. (CG)