International teams are working together to build an environment that will allow growth of Somali capability and capacity.

Commander Steve Elliott RN, the EU NAVFOR Liaison Officer to Somalia, is working to improve coordination between the AMISOM Marine Unit (AMU) and the Somalian Maritime Police Unit based at the Mogadishu new port, with the support of the EUCAP Somalia mission.

Commander Steve accompanied the AMU as an observer on a Security and Reassurance Patrol in coastal waters off Mogadishu on 29^th January. The Ugandan Marines spoke to local fisherman and monitored activity, promoting maritime security in what have been historically troubled waters. He praised the professionalism and capabilities of the Ugandan Troops.

On 28^th January he witnessed the UK Mission Support Team to AMISOM presenting maritime safety equipment to the Ugandan Marines of the AMU at their compound in Mogadishu, Somalia. Major Ed Wigmore, second in command of the UK MST, arranged the delivery. The Officer Commanding of the UK Team, Lieutenant Colonel Dom Goggs, said: “New life jackets, safety glasses and gloves donated by the UK, will improve the AMU’s capabilities, enhancing operational capability and reducing the risk of injury on operations.”

Operation Atalanta supports other EU missions and international organisations working to strengthen maritime security and capacity in the Horn of African and Somalia.