Irishman Chris Reynolds takes over EUCAP Somalia mission in Mogadishu (v3)
(B2) By choosing the Irishman Chris Reynolds, former head of the Irish Coastguard, to lead the Somali maritime police support mission EUCAP Somalia, the Europeans should choose the experience
This will come as no surprise to our loyal readers (read: Notebook 04.09.2019). Since the departure of Maria-Cristina Stepanescu at the end of August, the Irishman has also been acting as head of the mission. The appointment is also retroactive to September 10 and valid until December 31, 2020, the current end of term date.
(updated) This appointment was expected at the meeting of Ambassadors of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) on September 12. It was postponed to a later date, following difficulties expressed by a Member State (the Netherlands according to our information) and was finally able to be adopted at the next PSC meeting on 19 September.
UNIFIL and the Air India crash
Enlisted in the Irish Navy in 1979 as a Deck Officer, Christopher Reynolds held several positions aboard various Irish Navy ships. In 1996, he was deployed to Lebanon with the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL). Chris Reynolds is in charge of the humanitarian convoys set up during the 'Grapes of Wrath' conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and receives a bravery citation for his actions during the Qana massacre. In 1985, aboard the LE Aisling, he was then the gunnery officer of the ship which brought the first response after the crash of Air India flight 182, connecting Toronto to Bombay via London and exploding off the coast of Ireland. The search operation for the bodies will involve around ten ships and will take several days.
Coast Guard Chief
In 1997, he joined the Irish Coastguard. For the next ten years, he was responsible for rescue at most maritime accident sites in Irish seas. He became the head of the coast guard in 2007. He is also an expert in underwater mine clearance.
Twice in the EUCAP Somalia mission
He first served in the EUCAP Somalia mission as head of operations from August 2016 until October 2017, then returned to Mogadishu on January 23 as number 2. He then explained that he had a clear plan to help Somalia recover resources and strengthen itself: " An ocean is a national asset. If safe and secure, it can support a diverse marine economy. Between the seabed, seafood, tourism, oil and gas, renewable marine energies, there is a vast potential that can be exploited. »
A mission that is part of a global effort for Somalia
EUCAP Somalia “ forms part of the EU's comprehensive approach to Somalia, which includes diplomatic efforts, development aid, humanitarian aid and engagement in the area of rule of law and law application says the Council of the EU in the press release published after the adoption of the decision.
(NGV)
NB: The mission has a budget of €66,1 million for the next two years (2019-2020) and includes 111 people: 93 internationals from 19 countries and 18 local agents. Based in Mogadishu, it has branches in Garowe (Puntland) and Hargeisa (Somaliland).
Download the press release (FR / ENG)
Updated to 13.9 (deferring decision) and 20.9 (final approval and adding mission data). the decision scheduled for the COPS on September 12 has been postponed to a later date. It was finally able to be adopted at the next meeting, on 19 September.
