European Union Capacity Building Mission in Mali

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

EUCAP Sahel Mali: EU mission to strengthen Mali’s Internal Security Forces

EUCAP Sahel Mali is a European Union civilian mission that supports Mali’s Internal Security Forces (ISF). It operates under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP and is based in Bamako, Mali. Its work is to advise and assist the ISF as Mali carries out security sector reform, focusing on improving structures, logistics, and how the ISF works with the population. The mission also promotes human rights and gender equality within the ISF.

Launch and mandate
- Launched: 15 January 2015, at the Malian government’s invitation
- Initial term: two years, renewable
- Ongoing extension: mandate extended several times; latest extension to 31 January 2027 (Council Decision 2025/166)

What it does
- Capacity-building and strategic advice for security and justice reform
- Areas of work: human resources management, rule of law, integrated border management, counter-trafficking, crisis and disaster management, terrorism and organized crime
- Supports administrative and judicial authorities, with a focus on preventing corruption and impunity
- Funds and implements concrete projects to strengthen ISF and justice sector resources, including infrastructure and equipment

How it works
- Partners: Malian authorities, EU Delegation, United Nations agencies, international organizations, and NGOs
- Goal: an integrated approach to security sector development to help Mali stabilize, secure, and develop

Structure and resources
- Budget: around EUR 60 million (2025–2027)
- Staff: about 118 international and 70 local personnel
- Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell (RACC): based in Mauritania, deploying EU experts to Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger

Head of Mission
- Since 11 April 2023: Peter Grabow Kolding (Danish diplomat)
- Previous heads: Hervé Flahaut (2021–2023), Philippe Rio (2017–2020), Albrecht Conze (first head)

Purpose and impact
- Aims to help Mali restore constitutional and democratic order and strengthen the state’s authority
- Seeks lasting peace through effective administration, security reform, and stronger cooperation with the population and regional partners

Location
- Headquarters: Bamako, Mali