On Monday 20 February, the Council of the EU officially launched a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger) to support the country in its fight against armed terrorist groups.
The objective of the partnership mission is to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerien armed forces to contain the terrorist threat, protect the country's population and ensure a safe and secure environment with respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, according to the Council. In particular, EUMPM Niger will support the establishment of the Centre for the Training of the Technicians of the Armed Forces, provide advice and specialised training on request to specialists from the Niger Armed Forces, and support the creation of a new communications and command support battalion.
The mission, established on 12 December 2022 at the request of the Nigerien authorities (see EUROPE 13082/33), will be commanded by the Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)