EUCAP Sahel Niger: Council appoints new head of mission

Today, Antje Pittelkau was appointed head of mission of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger). She will take up her duties on 16 January 2021 succeeding Frank van der Mueren, who has been Head of Mission since 1 May 2018.

Antje Pittelkau is a police officer from Germany, with extensive experience regarding security and intelligence from over 30 years of service in various regional and national leadership positions, as well as in complex multilateral environments. Since 2018, she has been the Deputy Head of Mission at EUCAP Sahel Niger.

EUCAP Sahel Niger, a civilian mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy, was launched at the request of Niger's government in the summer of 2012. Its aim is to help establish an integrated, coherent, sustainable and human rights-based approach among the various Nigerien security actors in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

As such, the mission is designed to provide advice and training to support the Nigerien authorities in strengthening their capacities. Over 100 international experts, the majority of whom are from European security forces and justice departments, are permanently deployed in Niamey.

Today's decision was taken by the Political and Security Committee.

• EUCAP Sahel Niger (website)
• Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Niger