According to a limited document dated 29 September and seen by EUROPE, the European External Action Service recommends extending the following Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions in Somalia for two years, until 31 December 2024: ATALANTA, EUCAP and EUTM.
In its analytical review, the EEAS explains that the Horn of Africa remains “an arena of geopolitical competition and a geostrategic priority for the EU, which requires continued comprehensive engagement to protect its interests”. It also believes that there is “momentum to reinvigorate EU CSDP actions in Somalia, as the new Federal Government of Somalia has made it clear that it wants more comprehensive EU engagement and support to build the capacity and capability to take on security responsibilities, both on land and at sea ”.
Beyond the extension of missions, the Diplomatic Service therefore proposes optimising the EU’s integrated approach and to strengthen synergies between CSDP missions and operations, other EU actions and the support provided by EU Member States and international partners.
“Support for capacity building through CSDP missions, coupled and synchronised with equipment deliveries funded by the European Peace Facility, will remain essential for Somalia to better control its security, both on land and at sea”, it said. The EEAS would also like to see the establishment of a regular information sharing mechanism with the Somali authorities on a political level, facilitated and coordinated by the EU delegation.
Furthermore, according to the diplomatic service, the rule of law, human rights, international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the ‘women, peace and security’ agenda, children and armed conflict, and climate change should be integrated into the activities of CSDP missions and operations.
Despite its recommendations for strengthening CSDP’s work in Somalia, the EEAS recognises that the fragile political environment and the continuing security threat posed primarily by Al-Shabab “will likely continue to hamper CSDP engagement, particularly through ground missions”. “In such a context, a certain level of flexibility and adaptability in the mandates will be necessary in order to adjust and sequence the approach according to the overall dynamics and priorities of the security sector,” the EEAS says, further warning that it is suggested that some activities/tasks may be temporarily postponed or deactivated. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)