As part of the EU/UN co-operation, EU NAVFOR is providing protection to the UN chartered vessels supplying the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). AMISOM is mandated to conduct Peace Support Operations in Somalia to stabilize the situation in the country in order to create conditions for the conduct of Humanitarian activities and an immediate take over by the United Nations (UN).
The first AMISOM escort took place on the 6th February 2009 with the vessel departing Djibouti and arriving in Mogadishu.
On completion of the 100th escort EU NAVFOR Operation Commander Major General Buster Howes OBE stated: “The successful completion of the one hundredth escort of an AMISOM sustainment shipment today marks a significant milestone for the European Naval Force in Somalia. The protection of humanitarian and other vulnerable shipping against the scourge of piracy is central to my mission and is of direct benefit to the well-being of the Somali people and the success of the Transitional Federal Government. I am extremely proud of the men and women of European Navies who prosecute this essential, if unglamorous task”
[mappress]
Source: Eunavfor, June 3, 2011.