The Council today adopted a decision establishing a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military partnership mission to support Niger in its fight against terrorist armed groups. It will  enhance the ability of Niger Armed Forces to contain the threat, protect the population in the country and ensure a safe and secure environment in compliance with human rights law and international humanitarian law.

EUMPM Niger will help implement a Nigerien capacity building plan, by supporting the establishment of the Centre for the Training of the Technicians of the Armed Forces. It will provide advice and specialised training on request to the Niger Armed Forces’ specialists, and support the creation of a new communication and command support battalion. This will be done in conjunction with the European Peace Facility assistance measure adopted on 18 July 2022.

The mandate of the mission, designed in close consultations with Niger authorities, will initially last three years, and the financial reference amount for the common costs for this period will be EUR 27,3 million.

The mission commander of EUMPM Niger will be the Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean. The Mission Force Headquarters will be located in Niger.

EUMPM Niger will closely coordinate with EUCAP Sahel Niger to reinforce the interoperability between Niger’s security and defence forces. The Mission will also coordinate its activities with Member States’ activities in Niger and, as appropriate, with like-minded partners which support the capacity-building plan of the Niger Armed Forces.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Council of the European Union.