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One million tons of humanitarian aid sent to Somalia thanks to Atalanta

The Dutch warship "Johan de Wiit" accompanies a transport ship (Credits: EUNAVFOR Somalia)
The Dutch warship "Johan de Wiit" accompanies a ship carrying WFP food aid destined for Somalia (Credits: EUNAVFOR Somalia)

(BRUSSELS2) A milestone has just been passed by the European operation to fight piracy off the coast of Somalia (EUNAVFOR Atalanta), announced this one at the end of November.

One million tonnes transported since 2008

Since its launch in December 2008, the ships of the European naval force and their crews have, in fact, enabled the safe delivery of World Food Program ships of one million tonnes of food and humanitarian aid for the population Somali. Without any incident encountered. A situation which singularly contrasts with that which existed before 2008. Several attacks had taken place, causing a virtual interruption of aid to Somalia (read: P.Goossens (PAM): we still don't have an escort for our boats). A point that deserves to be remembered because we tend to forget it.

VPDs a certain success

In addition to the remote accompaniment of the ships - monitored by aerial patrol planes or helicopters from the ships - autonomous protection teams (VPDa) regularly embark on board, directly ensuring the protection of the ships chartered by the WFP. It is now the turn of the Lithuanians who have taken over from the Serbs (read:  Lithuanians embark on a WFP ship) (1). These teams are often provided by States which do not automatically have maritime means available for the operation in the Indian Ocean but intend to take part in the fight against piracy. Very often, these are countries that have a large number of nationals in the merchant navy or have a large flag. Several teams succeeded each other in successive rotation: Croatians, Maltais, Estonians, Lithuanians, Latvians, néerlandais etc Generally, these countries take their turns several times.

(Leonor Hubaut with NGV)

Leonor Hubaut

© B2 - Bruxelles2 is a French online media that focuses on political Europe (powers, defence, foreign policy, internal security). It follows and analyzes developments in European policy, unvarnished and without concessions. Approved by the CPPAP. Member of SPIIL. Please quote "B2" or "Bruxelles2" in case of recovery Leonor Hubaut is a journalist. Graduated in international relations from the Free University of Brussels (specialization in globalization). She covers for B2 the work of the European Parliament, CSDP missions and African issues. Sahel specialist.

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