Cabinet
The German government has decided to continue Germany’s engagement to protect ships carrying food for the UN’s World Food Programme within the scope of Operation Atalanta. The Bundeswehr’s mission off the coast of Somalia is to be extended until 30 April 2022. The decision must still be approved by the German Bundestag.
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What did the German government decide?
The Bundeswehr is to continue its engagement as part of the EU-led European Union Naval Force ATALANTA (EU NAVFOR). The area of operations is around the Horn of Africa, off the coast of Somalia.
Up to 300 Bundeswehr troops can be deployed until 30 April 2022.
Why is the mandate being extended?
Thanks to the engagement of the international community and the extensive protective measures taken by civilian shipping it has been possible to stem piracy off the Somali coast.
The criminal networks responsible in Somalia still exist, however and have transferred their focus to other activities at sea, including illegal trade in arms, drugs and charcoal and human trafficking and smuggling. They exploit the weakness of state structures in Somalia, which allow them to establish safe havens. The risks remain high for commercial shipping.
The development of Somalia to a peaceful, stable state is a long-term project. In addition to its military and civilian missions, the European Union is engaged at political and development-policy levels to stabilise Somalia and the region.
How is the European Union responding to the new strategy of the criminal networks?
The Council of the European Union extended the mandate of the Operation in December 2020. In future, Operation Atalanta is also to help enforce the UN’s arms embargo on Somalia as well as combating the trade in illegal narcotics.
The key focus remains affording protection for vessels carrying cargoes for the United Nations World Food Programme and supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This includes protecting international shipping off the coast of Somalia and fighting piracy.
What is the Bundeswehr doing?
German naval forces will in future provide a contribution for a limited period with vessels in the area of operations. The Bundeswehr will also continue to provide general staff for Operation headquarters.
In addition, the German government is supporting humanitarian assistance measures for people in particular need in Somalia and the region.