Latest news from EU peacekeeping missions – CSDP (March 2019)

(B2) In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Portuguese joins EUFOR Althea. In the Horn of Africa, capacity is being built in information technology and forensic investigation. In Ukraine, it is the fight against organized crime that is of concern. And FACA training continues in the Central African Republic

Camp Butmir. A Portuguese in Bosnia and Herzegovina

A Portuguese gendarme has joined the ranks of the EU stabilization operation EUFOR Althea. The number of troop-contributing countries thus increases to a total of 20, including 15 EU member states. The flag-raising ceremony took place on March 27, in the presence of the Head of Mission, Major General Martin Dorfer and the Chief of Staff of NATO HQ Sarajevo (NHQSa), Hungarian Colonel Tibor Pap.

Garowe (Somalia). IT, a necessary ally

Computer and technology training was provided to 20 officers from the Puntland Police Criminal Investigation Department with the support of EUCAP Somalia. The goal is to train police to collect and store information about criminal activity in Puntland, so they can better use it and share it with law enforcement agencies. The course ran from March 2-11.

Gulf of Aden. 'Passex' exercise with the Japanese

The Japanese destroyer samidare, and the Spanish frigate Navarre (F-85) carried out a now classic communication exercise at the end of March 2019 (known as passport). The commanders of the forces involved took the opportunity to discuss ongoing operations (have a drink) and exchange information on maritime security, indicated the operation. The last 'Passex' with the Japanese Navy dates from December 20, 2018.

Seychelles. Operation Atalanta in support of judicial investigation capabilities

Seychellois trainees from the judiciary and police agencies participated in a forensic investigation capacity development program from 18-20 March. Co-organized by the EU anti-piracy operation (EUNAVFOR Atalanta) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the training focused on legal procedures, including the arrest and conviction of pirates.

Iraq. The Apostolic Nuncio of Iraq at the EUAM Iraq mission

The issues facing the Christian minority in Iraq were at the heart of discussions between EUAM Iraq's Head of Mission, Markus Ritter, and the Apostolic Nuncio of Iraq, Alberto Ortega Martin, on 28 March. Iraq's Christian population has grown from 1,5 million in 2003 to some 300.000 today.

The Hague and Talinn. Ukrainian prosecutors in training

Ukrainian prosecutors undertook two study trips to The Hague (Netherlands) and Talinn (Estonia), in order to learn about best practices in cross-border cooperation in the fight against organized crime. The opportunity to get up to date on the functioning of the European agencies Europol and Eurojust as well as the European Judicial Network.

Ukraine. First round of training for the National Bureau of Investigations

A seconded group from the National Investigation Bureau of Ukraine attended a series of four trainings provided by EUAM Ukraine between 10 and 15 March. European best practices in terms of serious crime investigations, information exchange mechanisms through Interpol and Europol, as well as electronic crime, were at the heart of the discussions.

Zhytomyr (Ukraine). Mafia: EUAM Ukraine goes on the attack

14 police investigators and 14 prosecutors from the Zhytomyr region were trained by the EU Advisory Mission for Internal Security Forces (EUAM Ukraine) in the fight against organized crime, at the beginning of March. The training focused on the concepts of policing, in particular intelligence, financial investigations, international legal cooperation, evaluation of the performance of prosecutors, and the difficulties encountered when investigating organized crime. This training follows a trilateral cooperation course delivered jointly to the police, border guards and customs services, with the aim of increasing cooperation between the three services.

Bangui (CAR). The formation of the territorial infantry battalion continues

The Territorial Infantry Battalion 4 of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) is continuing its training. During the month of March, EUTM RCA trainers provided training on the installation and maintenance of a checkpoint, shooting a fetish weapon, the AK-47, assembly and disassembly of a Browning-type machine gun, the assembly of mortar parts, or even tactical combat.

Kassai (CAR). Beginning of training “Use of mobile networks”

A new training session started on March 4 and will last 16 weeks. At the end of this instruction, the 28 FACA trainees will receive a basic technical certificate on the use of mobile networks. The training is provided by FACA instructor technicians.

Criminal investigation and cyber crime. Palestinians follow Danish example

Four prosecutors from the Specialized Economic and Cybercrime Unit of the Palestinian Attorney General's Office undertook a study visit to Copenhagen, March 4-6, 2019. The purpose of the trip was to broaden the knowledge of the participants on the theme of criminal investigation procedures in matters of digital evidence and cyber-crime.

(MHA)