From Mogadishu to Manchester, we keep in touch with Somali diaspora of all ages, genders, and occupations.

On Wednesday 3^rd October 2018, members of EU NAVFOR’s Operational Headquarters (based in Northwood, London) travelled to Birmingham to meet with members of the Somali community.

Keeping a close connection with the community is key in EU NAVFOR’s mission to deter and repress piracy and keep vulnerable shipping safe by ensuring it gets into the country safely.

By maintaining these close connections, we can access how the country’s situation is changing and the perception of that change in society within Somalia and overseas. Whilst discussions are taking place, the Somali community are free to (and actively do) ask multiple questions about our operation and receive a full update on our current efforts.

Discussions continued over a meal where matters that are more informal were deliberated and some traditional Somali food was eaten together. Maintaining these close links keeps us informed on how to improve our operation and continue our mission effectively.