EUCAP Sahel Niger: Council nearly doubles mission's annual budget
The Council has increased the budget of the EU civilian mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) from 9.8 million to 18.4 million euros for the period 16 July 2015-15 July 2016.
This increased budget will allow for a reinforcement of the operation to combine enhanced engagement in Niamey with a permanent presence in the desert region of Agadez in central Niger.
Niger is facing security threats including terrorism, illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons and people, in particular in Northern Agadez, and is also a major regional transit hub for irregular migration. Developing a permanent presence in Agadez is key to supporting the Nigerien authorities in border and migration management, the fight against terrorism and organised crime. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini visited Niger on 18 September 2015, including the mission EUCAP Sahel Niger in Agadez, and held a High-Level Dialogue with the President and the government highlighting EU comprehensive approach on migration, security and development.
EUCAP Sahel Niger was launched in 2012 to support capacity building of the Nigerien security actors. The mission provides advice and training to support the Nigerien authorities in strengthening their security capabilities. It contributes to the development of an integrated, coherent, sustainable, and human rights-based approach among the various Nigerien security agencies in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.