The European Union extended its military operations in Somalia and the Horn of Africa in order to implement its security and defense policy.
A press release from the European Union stated that the Atlanta naval base, one of the EU’s military operations, will continue to operate until December 31, 2024.
This decision was taken after a review of operations in Somalia and the Horn of Africa with the aim of strengthening the EU’s response to enhancing its maritime security role.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
The European Union said the Atalanta mission is in a position to participate in the implementation of the arms embargo in Somalia, the reduction of drug trafficking, supporting the ongoing war against Al Shabab and its economy and the development of the Somali government.
It was early this year when the United Nations Security Council suspended the renewal of the Somali anti-piracy mission in the European Union, after the Somali government submitted a request to end the project.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
Spanish and French vessels found fishing illegally in the Indian Ocean after a key watchdog found them repeat offenders.
The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) says the vessels were found to have been illegally fishing in the exclusive economic zones of Somalia, Mauritius, India and Mozambique; without the respective permission of these countries.