EU Missions in Somalia: Successes, Challenges and Future Prospects

Since the overthrow of dictator Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia has been widely considered a failed state. For over three decades, the country has been afflicted by violent conflict, clan rivalries, corruption, piracy, terrorism and humanitarian disasters. These issues have had significant implications for regional and global security and stability, prompting numerous international interventions. While there have been notable successes, Somalia continues to face substantial challenges towards lasting peace, security, and socio-economic development. 

Comments Off on EU Missions in Somalia: Successes, Challenges and Future Prospects

Current Trends in CBRNE Threats: Spotlight on Roadside IEDs, Islamic State activity and Public Safety in Somalia

Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, other threats to public safety remain persistent. Perilous threats are grouped under the label of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events. These events are observed and prepared by various military and civilian organisations, such as the NATO’s Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Centre of Excellence (JCBRN Defence COE); or the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). Likewise, most of the world’s military forces have within their ranks specialised command structures, such as the US-American 20th CBRNE Command. However, training and defence preparations do not eliminate the threat posed by CBRNE events, which raises the question: How often do CBRNE events occur? The Italian Observatory on Security and CBRNE defence (OSDIFE) publishes a monthly report to shed some light on this issue. The OSDIFE’s report compiles CBRNE event-related reports worldwide and further supplements this collection with reports about counterterrorism, terrorism, and innovations in defence technology.

Comments Off on Current Trends in CBRNE Threats: Spotlight on Roadside IEDs, Islamic State activity and Public Safety in Somalia