A PeSDC “justice” mission in the Indian Ocean?

(BRUSSELS2) The European Union is thinking very seriously about setting up a PeSDC (*) mission to assist justice CSDP. This option was put on the table on Tuesday at the COPS meeting, where options were discussed on the prosecution of Somali pirates (1).

This mission could include judges, prosecutors, clerks as well as various equipment and be accompanied by training. The aim is to develop an adequate legal framework in the region and to help set up courts dedicated to piracy. It could therefore be just as much a work of expertise as assistance in judgments. A bit like the justice department of the “rule of law” mission (EULEX) does in Kosovo. This mission would be useful whatever the recommended solution: Somali court or regional court. And could result, in the longer term (very long term, some would say), in a EULEX mission for Somalia

We are, for the moment, at the idea stage. And not at all at the planning stage. But this idea could be taken up and developed, on October 7, during the discussions that Cathy Ashton, the High Representative of the EU, will have in South Africa and especially in Mauritius, a meeting in the presence of all the regional actors. (2).

This mission would thus complete the military action at sea (EUNAVFOR Atalanta), the training of Somali soldiers on land in Uganda (EUTM Somalia), even a third mission, envisaged for almost a year now (but still at a standstill) , a maritime mission to train and equip coastguards (3). If these four missions were set up, alongside the EU diplomatic missions (new embassies), humanitarian aid, already set up in Somalia, and development aid or within the framework of ACP agreements , we would thus have, for the first time, the translation into action of the global approach of the Europeans, so much taken up in speeches but rarely put into practice. A fine file for the High Representative who could thus prove to her detractors her ability to lead complex files.

(*) Common European security and defense policy

Lire:

(1) Piracy: an "off shore" Somali tribunal would be the best option according to the EU
(2) article in preparation, still a little patience 🙂
(3) EU studies mission to support Gulf of Aden Coast Guard

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)