Engaging to improve maritime security in Somalia

European Union Naval Force visits key stakeholders

SOMALIA: The Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA paid a three-day visit to Somalia last week with the aim of improving maritime security in the region.

During his visit, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, introduced himself to authorities and held talks talks with key players in the Somali Federal Government linked to the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, the European family and the partners of the international community.

“One of the things I wanted to do first was to come here and visit personally the Federal Authorities from Somalia and to discuss with them how we can improve our work to provide a better maritime security environment in Somalia,” he said.

Together with the EU Ambassador to Somalia, HE Karin Johansson, the Commander met with a team led by Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Moalim. To discuss a framework for cooperation to jointly improve maritime safety in the region.

He also met the Somali Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ahmed Hassan Adan where the latest actions relating to supporting efforts to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The legal framework of the Operation was also at the heart of discussions with Somali’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Mo’allin Mohamoud. The Operation EUNAVFOR benefits from a comprehensive legal approach, and discussions with the Minister have led to identifying avenues for enhancing cooperation.

In addition, discussions with the Somalia State Minister for Ports and Marine Transport, Mohamed Abdulkadir resulted in the identification for joint action to strengthen communication.

This visit also provided an opportunity to engage with the European Union (EU) structures present in Somalia. The EU is engaged in the Horn of Africa through an integrated approach, of which EUNAVFOR ATALANTA represents one of the military pillars. Discussions were held with the head of the EU Delegation Ambassador, Karin Johansson. The delegation’s support and assistance are crucial for Operation ATALANTA. Visits to the European Union Capacity Building mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) and the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) were also on the schedule.

Finally, Vice Admiral Villanueva also held meetings with international community partners with whom the Operation interacts on a daily basis in order to successively achieve its Mandate. Discussions focused on assessing their partnership notably with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representatives; and Interpol Mogadishu.

“We have had very productive and complete conversations, and the outcome will lead my orders in the next months to better support Somali authorities,” he noted at the conclusion of the visit.