Dear reader,
Throughout January, the number of piracy-related incidents has increased. Currently, up to six acts of piracy remain active, including the hijacking of the MV RUEN, and several boarding attempts have been reported. However, we have started a new chapter in our relations with Somali authorities, which enabled us to operate in its territorial waters for a specific purpose and duration of time. Close and fluid cooperation with Somali police forces is enabling a permanent monitoring, and effective situation updates. We will remain fully committed to ensuring maritime security in the area of operations together with our maritime security partners as well as the naval and law enforcement forces of the coastal states in the region, especially Somalia.
My first trip to Somalia has allowed me to strengthen our ties with the Somali government and its authorities. Thanks to the support of the EU Delegation, led by Ambassador HE Karin Johansson, the visit has been a success. We had very productive and comprehensive conversations, and the outcome will lead my guidance to my staff in the next months to better support Somali authorities.
Finally, I would like to highlight the important change we have had this month in the staff. My deputy, Rear Admiral Giovanni Galoforo, handed over his responsibilities to Rear Admiral Eric Dousson. I am convinced that my new deputy will maintain the extraordinary momentum that his predecessor built up, especially as a representative of EUNAVFOR in different international forums.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano
EUNAVFOR Operation Commander
On 12 January, Rear Admiral Éric Dousson (France) took over as Deputy Commander of Operation Atalanta from Rear Admiral Giovanni M. Galoforo (Italy), who held the deputy command for the past six months. The hand-over took place at the Operation Headquarters of the Operation in Rota, Spain.
Operation Commander Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano congratulated Deputy Commander Galoforo for his outstanding contribution, commitment and friendship, and expressed his best wishes for his future professional and personal success. In addition, Vice Admiral Villanueva warmly welcomed Rear Admiral Éric Dousson as the new Deputy Commander, highlighting his extraordinary experience and outstanding professional skills.
From 22 to 24 January 2024, the EUNAVFOR Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva, paid a visit to Somalia. One of the aims of this visit was to introduce himself to the local and European Union authorities after taking command of the Operation on 23 November 2023. “One of the things I wanted to do first was to come here and visit personally the Federal Authorities from Somalia, and to discuss with them, how we can improve our work to provide a better maritime security environment in Somalia”.
His first meeting was with the Head of the EU Delegation, H.E. Ambassador Karin Johansson. The OPCDR had an extensive discussion with the Ambassador about the delegation’s support and assistance, which are crucial for Operation ATALANTA.
Thanks to EUDEL's support, successful meetings were held with key Somali authorities.
The OPCDR had office-calls with members of the government relevant for EUNAVFOR ATALANTA. These meetings provided an overview of the tasks of the Operation's mandate. They also initiated to discussions on ways of strengthening support and cooperation between EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).
This visit also provided an opportunity for the OPCDR to introduce himself to the European Union (EU) family present in Somalia. The EU is engaged in the Horn of Africa through an integrated approach, of which EUNAVFOR ATALANTA represents one of the military pillars.
In addition to the EU Delegation in Somalia, the OPCDR visited EUNAVFOR ATALANTA’s CSDP sister missions, the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) and the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia).
Finally, Vice Admiral Villanueva also held meetings with international community representatives, with whom the Operation interacts on a daily basis. Discussions focused on assessing their partnership, notably with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), World Food Programme (WFP), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Interpol Mogadishu.
On 30 January, the EUNAVFOR Operation Commander presented the six-month report about the activities and achievements of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA to the European Union Military Committee in Brussels. The deterioration of the security situation in the Area of Operations, and the latest piracy incidents off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean were outlined, as well as the challenges faced by the Operation.
The OPCDR also had the opportunity to meet with Mr Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security and Defence of the European External Action Service, and with the Spanish and Italian military representatives to the EU.
From 29 to 31 January, the EUNAVFOR Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Éric Dousson attended the Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Technology Conference in London, United Kingdom. The Deputy Commander presented a keynote speech on “Ensuring Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific through anti-piracy, counter-illicit activity and WFP humanitarian missions”. He provided a comprehensive overview of ATALANTA’s mission, capacities and the way the Operation deal with Maritime Situational Awareness.
Rear Admiral Dousson also participated in a panel discussion composed by Rear Admiral Guillaume Fontarensky, Deputy Commander, EUNAVFOR Operation IRINI; Captain Bryan Hager, Commodore, CTF-67 and Commander, Fleet Air Sigonella, US Navy; and Commander (Ret'd) Ian Danbury OBE, Royal Navy ASW Spearhead – NATO Engagement & Secretary NATO ASW Barrier Project, Royal Navy. The main topic of the panel was how to improve maritime security through naval intelligence PED (processing, exploitation and dissemination) with a focus on collaborative strategies and technological innovations.
On 03 January, the EUNAVFOR Force Commander Comodore Martins de Brito and the Commanding Officer of ESPS VICTORIA Commander Jose Maria de la Puente, visited the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Victoria, Seychelles. During the visit, they were shown the its daily work and capabilities. Cooperation and mutual understanding between maritime security partners are essential to maintain an updated situational awareness, and to ensure an effective reaction to any threat.
On 13 January, during the port visit in Djibouti, the EUNAVFOR Force Commander, Commodore Martins de Brito, paid a visit to the Djiboutian Coast Guard, commanded by Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh.
It was an excellent opportunity to award a former translator the CSDP medal. His role is vital to interact with local and regional communities in the area of operations, especially during friendly on board visits.
On 14 January, EUNAVFOR Force Commander, Commodore Martins de Brito met with the EU Ambassador to Djibouti, H.E. Sylvie Tabesse.
This meeting was an excellent opportunity to brief the Ambassador on the latest activities in the region. Operation ATALANTA is part of the EU Integrated Approach to the Horn of Africa.
On 14 January, the EUNAVFOR Force Commander Commodore Martins de Brito paid a visit to the Korean Ship ROKS YANGMANCHUN from the Combined Task Force 151 (Combined Maritime Forces) commanded by Captain Kang Sang Yong.
Also on 14 January, during the port visit to Djibouti, the team of the EUNAVFOR flagship, ESPS VICTORIA, carried out a Local Maritime Capacity Enhancement activity on firefighting with the Djibouti Coast Guard.
The aim of these training activities is to enhance the capacity of the local forces to provide security, mutual understanding and strengthening ties between maritime security partners.
On 12 January, an Operation ATALANTA delegation visited the Kenyan Coast Guard facilities in Mombasa. Discussions were held on maritime security procedures and sharing of information for monitoring activities.
This partnership underlines the commitment to enhancing regional maritime cooperation, providing a unique opportunity to strengthen ties and foster future collaborations, crucial for regional security.
- Spanish Frigates: one;
- Italian Destroyers: two;
- French Destroyer: two.
