The RACC contributes to the EU’s support on border security in the Sahel

On 12-14 December, the RACC’s Defence Advisor providing his expertise to the EU Delegation in Mauritania, participated in a EU led field mission to N’Beiket Laouach, in the extreme southeast of Mauritania, at 1250 km from the capital Nouakchott and at 20 km from the Malian border. The mission was conducted together with the service provider Expertise France

N’Beiket Laouach hosts the main base of the Mauritanian battalion of the Joint Force of the G5 Sahel, deployed in the framework on the Mauritanian security and development approach in this remote area.

The Mauritanian authorities requested the EU’s support to build a military camp aiming at better equipping the units of the Joint Force of the G5 Sahel, so that the security of the border in this sensitive region could be enhanced.  

The objective of the December field mission was to obtain feedback from the Mauritania’s army battalion commander deployed in the area about equipment and infrastructure financed by the European Union, previously delivered. The supply included mini-drones, armored vehicles, Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices C-IED, thermic cameras and night vision googles.

The local battalion Commander of the JF G5 Sahel confirmed that the support of the EU is reinforcing the capacities of his unit to better secure the border area.

For example, items such as the mini drones allow an aerial view in a desertic and vast border environment, essential to spot suspected vehicles or movements. This also improves the security of the patrolling units.

Armored vehicles and C-IED enable increased security during border patrols and at check points.

Finally, night vision googles, and thermic cameras are essential to improve the observation capacities at the border during the night.

Under the political auspices of the Delegation of the EU in Mauritania, and in close cooperation with the different EU actors engaging in the Sahel, the RACC Defence Expert is tasked to ensure the follow up of all Defence related projects, advising EU actors and national counterparts on how to optimise the EU support. To this purpose, the RACC’s Defence advisor meets regularly in Nouakchott with the Cabinet of the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff Services of the Armed Forces. Discussions can focus on subjects such as the delivery planning, reception procedures, or impact on training and operational capabilities.

The exchanges with the battalion Commander in N’Beiket Laouach, allowed the RACC’s Defence Advisor to better understand the challenges for the EU’s support in this demanding region, their impact on current projects, and possible future scenarios. This also contributes to an improved awareness for further advice to the different concerned UE actors and the national authorities.

After the visit to N’Beiket Laouach, the RACC’s Defence Expert and Expertise France met the Director of the Material Resources of the General Staff of the Mauritanian Armed Forces. As a result of the provided feedback, the delivery of individual protection equipment, and other technical equipment has been accelerated.