Political and Security Committee EU military mission to contribute to the training of Somali Security Forces (EUTM Somalia) - Information Strategy

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1 COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Brussels, 15 February /10 COSDP 129 PESC 202 COAFR 55 EUTRA SOMALIA 7 NOTE From: To: Subject: Secretariat Political and Security Committee EU military mission to contribute to the training of Somali Security Forces (EUTM Somalia) - Information Strategy In view of the Political and Security Committee on 17 February 2010, delegations will find at annex the draft Information Strategy and Initial Public Master Messages for EUTM Somalia, as agreed in the Politico-Military Group on 15 February /10 FM/dp 1

2 Introduction ANNEX In November 2009, the Council of the EU approved a Crisis Management Concept (CMC) on a possible CSDP mission to contribute to the training of the Somali Security Forces. The military objective of the EU military mission would be to contribute to strengthening the Somali Security Forces through the provision of military training (military strategic objective). At the same time, this mission would contribute to strengthening the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) as a functioning government serving the Somali population (political objective). On 25 January 2010, the Council of the EU agreed to set up a military mission to contribute to training of Somali security forces 1. Subsequently, the Council adopted Council Decision 2010/ /CFSP on a EU military mission for the provision of specific military training, and support to the training provided by Uganda. This Decision sets out the legal framework of the EU military training mission. 1 See Council Conclusions of 25 January 2010 (Foreign Affairs Council) 6522/10 FM/dp 2

3 The Decision to launch the EU military mission shall be adopted by the Council following approval of the Mission Plan. A coherent information strategy is necessary in order to ensure that the envisaged EU military mission is well understood and accepted in Somalia, the region, especially Somalia's border countries and internationally including by the Somali Diaspora. In addition, such information strategy will contribute to develop amongst the trainees the willingness to participate in and develop the security and the stability of Somalia onward, to promote a continued regional support to the mission. This information strategy aims at defining the main objectives, the main themes or messages to be developed and the audiences to which such themes or messages should be directed 2. To that end, the information strategy will have the following objectives: - Communicate the aim, objectives and nature of the CSDP training mission in order to ensure full understanding by all audiences, especially by the Somali population and authorities, the continued willingness of EU Member States to participate and the support of the international community and international public opinion for the EU effort; - Inform on the EU's comprehensive strategy to Somalia and the region in order to achieve the continued support and assistance of all relevant regional actors, as well as their collaboration in promoting peace and development in Somalia; - Encourage continued support to training activities by the international community; - Encourage regional partners' willingness to maintain a continued support to the training mission and to take over responsibility, in close cooperation with the TFG, for delivering the specialised training provided by the CSDP mission; - Contribute to promote trainees' loyalty to the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFI) of Somalia. 2 See "Guidelines for ESDP Crisis Response Information Activities" (13817/02). 6522/10 FM/dp 3

4 At the implementation level, the different EU players (notably Presidency, High Representative 3, Member States, EU Mission Commander, European Commission and their respective spokespersons) will carry out their information activities in accordance with their practices and respective audiences, taking account of the political guidance and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) as embodied in the information strategy and the master messages. A series of activities are outlined below on a tentative basis, and a first set of Initial Public Master Messages is attached. In the military domain, the Information Strategy, as approved by the PSC, will be implemented through Military Public Relations / Public Information (Mil PR/PI) and Military Information Operations (Mil Info Ops) as appropriate 4. The Mission Commander will be in charge of the relevant aspects of the Information Strategy through the planning and conduct of Mil PR/PI and Mil Info Ops 5. Target Audiences While a given message is not necessarily limited to one audience, the main target audiences are: At local and regional level - Somali authorities and other political actors in Somalia; - The public in Somalia; - Somali Diaspora; - The Ugandan authorities and general public, including those local communities living close to the military training camp; - The trainees and their family circle; - The Joint Security Committee (JSC); - EU's partners in the region (inter alia AU, AMISOM, UNPOS 6, UNSOA 7, and USA); High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Ibid Ibid United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA) 6522/10 FM/dp 4

5 - The public and governments of Somalia's neighbouring countries (in particular Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Burundi and DR Congo); - Local and regional media. At international level - The Somali Diaspora; - AU, other international organisations, including UN, the international community and in particular USA; - Non-governmental organisations; - National Parliaments, as appropriate, and the public in EU Member States and third States; - International media, including the Somali media in the EU. Themes The information strategy should be based on a series of messages articulated around main themes, including: - Objectives of the EU military mission: to contribute to strengthening the TFG as a functioning government serving the Somali population, as well as to strengthening the Somali Security Forces through the provision of specific military training to Somali recruits; - Legitimacy of the EU action: EUTM Somalia contributes to the implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The mission is part of a larger and coherent framework involving close EU cooperation with the AU, the UN and other relevant partners in particular the US, in support of implementing the Transitional Federal Charter and the Djibouti Agreement; the EU has been invited to contribute to the ongoing Ugandan training by the Ugandan Government. This initiative was invited by the TFG and has been welcomed by AMISOM and the AU. The TFG has expressed its commitment to bear its responsibility with regard to the activities of the mission, in particular the recruitment, training and reintegration of the recruits and to the broader security sector policy in Somalia. Together with the international community, the EU will continue to help the TFG with these issues. - Manage expectations: the provision of more trained troops loyal to the TFG is one of the most pressing issues. The envisaged EU military mission constitutes one option aiming at strengthening the TFG as a functioning government; this support is part of a larger and coherent framework to build a viable, representative and sustainable security sector in Somalia; 6522/10 FM/dp 5

6 - The importance to keep an EU comprehensive approach to Somalia: EUTM Somalia is launched in the framework of an EU comprehensive commitment for peace, security and development in Somalia and in the region. In addition to its counter-piracy maritime operation (EUNAVFOR-ATALANTA), the EU has adopted a broad set of measures encompassing the political, economic, security - including EU support to AMISOM -, humanitarian and human rights dimensions; - Importance of local ownership and regional commitment: Ugandan Security Forces/AMISOM/AU have the overall lead in initial training; the EU training mission is contributing to enhance and complement this African effort. The success of the Somali National Security Forces' build up also rests with the full commitment of regional actors. In addition to Uganda, AMISOM and the AU, neighbouring countries should also be encouraged to contribute to support the training of Somali National Security Forces (NSF). - Trainees behaviours and attitudes: there is a requirement to create a durable "esprit de corps" and develop a sense of loyalty to the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFI) amongst trainees rather than purely clan-based allegiance in order to contribute to the further development of security and the stability in Somalia. - Human rights and gender issues: It is of importance to promote trainees awareness on the laws of armed conflict, including the protection of civilians in armed conflict, human rights (including rights of the child) and gender issues with a view to reflecting those of European standards. Specific features of the military operation The planned military training mission has a certain number of specific features which must be taken into account in the planning of the activities of press and information. These specific features include the following: - The mission may well raise significant national, regional and international media interest as there is already a high level of visibility of the EU's involvement in the security field in the region notably through the EU counter-piracy operation EU NAVFOR-ATALANTA; - The training of Somali NSF is an Uganda/AMISOM/AU owned process to which the EU is contributing, which is being carried out in cooperation with the TFG. Given the nature of the mission, very close coordination with these partners has been established, which is essential for an effective implementation of the information strategy. 6522/10 FM/dp 6

7 - Press and information products/activities - EU Council conclusions (FAC) (note: Council Conclusions of 27 July 2009 and 25 January 2010); - High Representative (HR) statements; - Press briefing in Brussels (note: a comprehensive briefing on Somalia took place at the EU Council Press Centre on 2 February 2010); - Press release on the occasion of the formal adoption of the Council Decision; - Preparation of material such as: (a) web page of the operation on CSDP web site and relevant information on the "External Action" website; (b) fact sheets on the envisaged operation and update on the EU s overall engagement in the region; - Press briefings by the Mission Commander (Brussels and in theatre); - Press visits to the region and possibly to Mission HQ - Audiovisual material (Video News Releases, stock shots) - Articles in the "ESDP Newsletter" - Articles in national and international newspapers - Radio broadcasts (local radio stations) - High level visits (Mission HQ and theatre of operation) Coordination A coherent information strategy is necessary in order to ensure that the message conveyed by the various players (High Representative, Mission Commander, the Presidency, EU Member States, European Commission) is consistent. Once the training mission is launched on the ground, close coordination between Brussels and the operation is essential to guarantee that the information strategy is implemented in a consistent and accurate manner. Communication activities in relation to the envisaged EU military mission will be closely coordinated with the spokesperson of the High Representative and the Council Press Office. 6522/10 FM/dp 7

8 The spokesperson of the HR and the Council Press Office will be informed immediately and directly of any event which may have a media impact. Coordination and co-operation between those countries contributing to the Force, in particular at the Mission HQ, will be especially important. Finally, coherence will be sought with the communications efforts of other international actors. 6522/10 FM/dp 8

9 ANNEX EU military mission to contribute to the training of Somali Security Forces (EUTM Somalia) INITIAL PUBLIC MASTER MESSAGES I. CORE MASTER MESSAGES The EU remains concerned about the situation in Somalia and its regional implications. It expressed its continued full support to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia and acts within a comprehensive approach to achieve a lasting settlement of the Somali crisis, covering its political, security, developmental and humanitarian aspects, in line with the Djibouti Agreement and the Transitional Federal Charter. The EU has decided to establish a military training mission (EUTM Somalia) in order to contribute to strengthening the TFG as a functioning government serving the Somali population. The EU recognises the need to carry out the training of the Somali security forces as part of a wider international effort, and encompassing inter alia the vetting of trainees, the monitoring and mentoring of the forces once back in Mogadishu and the funding and payment of the salaries of the soldiers. The envisaged EU contribution in the area of training of Somali security forces will be established within a comprehensive EU approach to the situation in Somalia. To that end, the EU will continue to help stabilize Somalia by providing support to vital and priority areas such as the security sector, development, assistance to the population and capacity-building support, in addition to ongoing deployment of the EU counter piracy operation EU NAVFOR- ATALANTA 8 and humanitarian assistance. 8 EU military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (operation ATALANTA) 6522/10 FM/dp 9 ANNEX

10 EUTM Somalia will be conducted at the invitation of the TFG, and has been welcomed by AMISOM and the AU. The government of Uganda has also welcomed the EU military training mission. EUTM Somalia will complement and enhance current efforts led by Uganda, AU and AMISOM concerning the training of Somali Security Forces. The EU reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, political independence and unity of Somalia. In its Resolution 1872 (2009), the UN Security Council (UNSC) stressed the importance of the re-establishment, training, equipping and retention of Somali security forces, and urged Member States and regional and international organizations to offer technical assistance for the training and equipping of the Somali security forces. II. DETAILED MASTER MESSAGES A. The EU military training mission 1. The objective of EUTM Somalia is to contribute to strengthening the Somali TFG as a functioning government serving the Somali population, as well as to contribute to a comprehensive and sustainable perspective for the development of the Somali Security Sector by strengthening the Somali Security Forces through the provision of specific military training and support to the training provided by Uganda. 2. EUTM Somalia will take place mainly in Uganda 9, where Somali forces are already being trained; the EU Mission Headquarters will be located in Uganda. It will include a liaison office in Nairobi and a support cell in Brussels. Uganda is also the principal troop contributor to AMISOM whose force is commanded by a Ugandan general. 9 By a letter dated 5 January 2010, the Minister of Defence of Uganda, welcomed the EU envisaged mission in support of the Somali Security Sector and invited the EU to participate in the training effort of the Somali TFG's National security Forces in Uganda. 6522/10 FM/dp 10 ANNEX

11 3. The EU military mission will operate in close cooperation and coordination with other international actors, in particular, the United Nations, the African Union, AMISOM, and the United States. 4. Colonel González ELUL (Spain) has been appointed EU Mission Commander for EUTM Somalia. 5. EUTM Somalia will contribute to the training of some 2000 Somali recruits up to and including platoon level, including appropriate modular and specialised training for officers and non commissioned officers. The training will also cover international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, as well as the protection of civilians, including specific protection needs of women and children. 6. The size of the mission is planned to be approximately 150 EU personnel. 7. The mission will allow to train adequately military forces, to protect civilians in Somalia, and will give more coherence to the numerous initiatives that have been already undertaken by different actors. 8. EUTM Somalia would be launched with the next intake of trainees, scheduled to start in spring The EU military mission will terminate in 2011 after two consecutive training periods of six months 10. Under the responsibility of the EU Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR), the Political and Security Committee of the EU will exercise the political control and strategic direction of EUTM Somalia. 11. The financial reference amount for the common costs of the EU military mission will be EUR 4.8 millions. 6522/10 FM/dp 11 ANNEX

12 12. The success of the Somali National Security Forces' build up also rests with the full commitment of regional actors and neighbouring countries. In addition, it is important to develop a sense of loyalty to the TFIs amongst the Somali trainees rather than purely clanbased allegiance in order to contribute to the further development of security and the stability in Somalia. B. EU and Somalia 13. The EU military training mission is part of the comprehensive action conducted by the EU in the Horn of Africa to deal with the Somali crisis, which has political, security, developmental and humanitarian aspects. The EU supports the Djibouti process for peace and reconciliation in Somalia, facilitated by the UN and has called on all parties in Somalia to ease the suffering of the population and to seize this opportunity to work towards the restoration of security, stability and development in Somalia. 14. The EU and its Member States support the African Union's military mission to Somalia (AMISOM) through expertise and financial support, in terms of planning and capacity building, in order to increase, in particular, the efficiency of the Somali police force and to combat any abuse and serious violation of human rights. 15. The EU has decided to step up its engagement in Somalia within a comprehensive approach and with a view to being part of a broader, international answer, including in the area of security. The objective is to contribute to state-building in Somalia and to the protection of the population by a legitimate government. The EU is currently exploring possible actions in support of the security sector, including support to the Somali security forces, the police and maritime capacity development in Somalia and the region. The Joint Strategy Paper for Somalia for provides an allocation of EUR 215,8 million under the EC's 10th European Development Fund (EDF). It covers three main sectors of cooperation: governance, education and rural development. The issue of the security of maritime routes is also included in the European Commission's Instrument for Stability Indicative Programme /10 FM/dp 12 ANNEX

13 16. The European Commission is one of the main sources of humanitarian funding for the victims of the crisis in Somalia. From 2004 to 2008, it provided more than EUR 93 million for relief activities (almost EUR 46 million in 2008). In 2009, a total of EUR 45 million have been allocated. 6522/10 FM/dp 13 ANNEX