Former EUMPM Niger commander praises mission’s integrated approach

18.10.2023 Strategic Communications

Founding former force commander of EUMPM Niger mission Col. Antonio D’Agostino recommends integrated approach for future missions.

A meeting of senior military personnel in an office with a notebook in the foreground. There is an EU flag on the wall.

Pictured: Col D’Agostino (centre) briefing the MPCC.

On Wednesday 11 October 2023, the former Mission Force Commander to EU Military Partnership Mission (EUMPM) Niger, Colonel Antonio D’Agostino, presented his analysis of the mission to a number of audiences in Brussels.

Firstly, he had an Office Call with Gen. Robert Brieger, Chairman of the Military Committee. Afterwards, he debriefed the EU Military Committee, consisting of the Chiefs of Defence of Member States. Finally, he had an open discussion with the operational headquarters, the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC).

The current Mission Force Commander, Colonel to EUMPM Niger Antonio Stasi, attended the debrief via Video Tele-Conference (VTC).

EUMPM Niger's mission adaptation

Speaking to members of the MPCC, Colonel D’Agostino’s, recent experiences gave the attendees the chance to gain a better understanding of challenges he faced in EUMPM Niger. As the first ever commander, he had to establish the mission. Thereafter, as the consequence of recent political events in Niger, he had to adapt the mission.

He highlighted the EU’s integrated approach as a basis for the future and suggested different ways that could potentially improve the mission.

Finally, Colonel D’Agostino thanked everyone for the support he received during his tour of duty.

The ensuing discussion was both informative and fruitful for all in attendance.

Two men in military uniform pose in front of an EU flag — Major General Werner Albl and Colonel Antonio D’Agostino after the EUMC-debrief

Background to EUMPM Niger

At the request of the Nigerien authorities, the EU launched the EUMPM Niger mission in February 2023.

The Mission is not involved in combat operations, as it was made clear by the authorities during the planning process that combat operations were not required.

As a result, the EUMPM Mission focuses its support on enabling logistics and communications capabilities.

For the moment, the permanent footprint of the Mission remains very limited. All our training actions under our Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions are suspended for the time being.

We continue to evaluate the situation in the country and how the events are evolving.