The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, signed on Thursday 16 July, a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) concerning the EU operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. The agreement sets out the rights, privileges and responsibilities of mission personnel in Djibouti.
This agreement “marks a major step forward in relations between European Union and Djibouti. It ensures maintaining access to and support for our ships and air assets for as long as they are needed”, Kaja Kallas explained. She noted Djibouti’s support, particularly as regards the supply of fuel, water, food and logistical equipment.
According to Ms Kallas, this agreement will enable the Union to continue playing an important role in helping to secure key maritime routes in the Red Sea, and it is needed more than ever across the region.
Since its launch 29 months ago, the ASPIDES mission has protected more than “670 merchant vessels, saved 128 seafarers, and defended against dozens of Houthi attacks”, according to Ms Kallas.
“As a stabilising player in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti remains fully committed to contributing to maritime security and freedom of navigation in close cooperation with its partners”, the minister pledged. He expressed the wish to continue cooperation with the EU in terms of maritime security and through the European Peace Facility, in order to further develop his country’s maritime security capabilities.
According to Ms Kallas, the situation in the Red Sea is deteriorating again. “The missile threat by the Houthis for international shipping persists. Recent Houthi missile attacks against Saudi Arabia, breaking a four-year truce, are a warning that instability on land quickly becomes insecurity at sea”, she added. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)