According to a document dated 9 June, and obtained by EUROPE, the European External Action Service (EEAS) has recommended to the Member States to extend the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission by two years, until 30 November 2024.
According to the EEAS, in order to capitalise on the achievements of the mission and to continue the efforts towards the transition strategy, the mandate of EUCAP Sahel Niger “should be characterised by a strengthening of the strategic advice capacity and a decrease in training activities, while maintaining the trainer training programme”.
The diplomatic service recommends improving cooperation and coordination between the various Nigerien actors in the field of security, supporting the development of strategic frameworks and continuing the operationalisation of existing strategies. According to the diplomatic service, this should be done through the strengthening of the strategic council, focussed in particular on the implementation of Niger’s new national internal security strategy (2022-2026) and by continuing to strengthen the interoperability of the security and defence forces in the areas of planning and crisis management, while supporting the strengthening of the territorial network and connection with the population.
The EEAS also promotes capacity building of the Nigerien internal security forces (ISF) in the fight against terrorism and organised crime through advice, training and coaching where appropriate. The Foreign Service emphasises the strengthening of train-the-trainer programmes and believes that the development of training policies and plans within the ISF should be promoted.
In addition, the mission should, according to the EEAS, strengthen the capacity of Niger’s internal security forces in border management and the fight against irregular migration, in particular by developing procedures and techniques to better control and manage irregular migration and reduce the level of associated crime by providing strategic advice and coaching.
Finally, the diplomatic service believes that EUCAP Sahel Niger should facilitate coordination in the context of border management and the fight against terrorism, organised crime and irregular migration. This must be done at the national level by proactively strengthening coordination in the areas of defence, security and the criminal justice system. At the international level, this should be done including between CSDP missions in the region and in coordination with the Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell, exploring opportunities to strengthen interoperability and cooperation between Niger’s ISF and other G5 forces in these areas.
The EEAS estimates the budget for the mission for the two years at €73 million. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)