European Union Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger)

SUMMARY OF:

Decision (CFSP) 2022/2444 on a European Union Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger)

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION?

The decision launches the European Union (EU) Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger) aiming to support the Niger Armed Forces in:

building their capacity;
enhancing their ability to contain the threat posed by terrorist armed groups;
protecting the Nigerien population; and
ensuring a safe and secure environment.

KEY POINTS

The mission

The decision to launch EUMPM Niger is adopted by the Council of the European Union, after it approves a mission plan and rules of engagement. The mission involves:

helping to set up a technician training centre for the Niger Armed Forces, with advice and training, including to trainers;
supporting the Niger Armed Forces to develop specialised capacities, by providing on-demand training;
helping to set up and develop a communication and command support battalion, by training and mentoring its units, specialists and chain of command for subsequent deployment in support of Nigerien operations.

In strategic and operational planning, activities and reporting, the mission fully integrates:

international humanitarian law;
human rights;
gender equality principles;
civilian protection;
United Nations Security Council resolution agendas:
- UNSCR 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security,
- UNSCR 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security, and
- UNSCR 1612 (2005) on Children and Armed Conflict.

EU Mission Commander and mission headquarters

The Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) is appointed EUMPM Niger Mission Commander.
The MPCC is the static command and control structure at the military strategic level and is responsible for operational planning and conduct.
The mission headquarters are in Niger under the EU Mission Force Commander.
A support cell in Brussels is included until the MPCC reaches full operational capacity.

Political control and strategic direction

The EU’s Political and Security Committee exercises political control and strategic direction of the mission and is responsible to the Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Council sets objectives and can decide to terminate the mission. The committee:

has the power to amend planning documents, the mission plan and the chain of command, reporting regularly to the Council;
can appoint future EU Mission Force Commanders;
receives regular reports from the Chair of the EU Military Committee on how the mission is conducted;
can invite the EU Mission Commander and the EU Mission Force Commander to its meetings.

Military direction

The EU Military Committee:

monitors the mission under the responsibility of the EU Mission Commander;
receives regular reports from the EU Mission Commander;
can invite the EU Mission Commander and the EU Mission Force Commander to its meetings.

Consistency and coordination

The High Representative ensures that the mission is consistent with EU external action, including development and humanitarian assistance programmes.
The EU Mission Force Commander receives local political guidance from the Head of the EU Delegation to Niger.
EUMPM Niger coordinates with:
- the EU Capacity Building Mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger);
- EU Member States’ current and future bilateral initiatives in Niger and, as appropriate, other like-minded partners.
EUMPM Niger may have a project cell to identify and implement projects, coordinating with Member States as appropriate.
Non-EU countries may be invited to participate in the mission.

Financial arrangements

Costs are administered in accordance with Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 on the European Peace Facility (see summary).

FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?

The decision has been in force since 12 December 2022. The mission ends on 12 December 2025.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

The European Union’s integrated strategy in the Sahel – Council conclusions (Council of the European Union)
EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger (European Union External Action Service).

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2444 of 12 December 2022 on a European Union military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger) (OJ L 319, 13.12.2022, pp. 86–90).