ZIF Visit to EUCAP Sahel Mali: Exchange with Seconded Personnel and Leadership on the Ground
The Deputy Director of ZIF, Dr. Katja Niethammer, and the Head of the Security Team, Matthias Bischoff, visited the EU mission EUCAP Sahel Mali. The focus of the mission visit was on xchanges with the German seconded personnel and the mission leadership, as well as gaining comprehensive insights into operational work on the ground.
During their stay, the ZIF delegation gained a detailed picture of how targeted the mission’s efforts are in building capacity within the Malian security sector.
“EUCAP Sahel Mali impressively demonstrates what a focused civilian mission can achieve. Despite an extremely challenging security situation and understaffing, the mission executes its mandate with high precision and impact,” said Dr. Niethammer. “The direct support provided to Malian security forces in crisis management, training—including countering drug smuggling—or in targeted infrastructure projects makes a tangible contribution to security and the rule of law.”
A concrete example is the support provided to the Malian Civil Protection in river rescue operations. Through a combination of infrastructure assistance and training measures, local forces are empowered to conduct rescue operations on waterways independently and safely.
Tasks and Focus Areas of EUCAP Sahel Mali
As a non-executive capacity-building mission, EUCAP Sahel Mali has been supporting the reform of the Malian security sector since 2015. Despite severe political upheaval, the mission has continued its work to strengthen the institutional capacities of the police and civil protection, and to foster trust between security forces and the civilian population. Particular emphasis is consistently placed on human rights compliance, anti-corruption, and the rule of law.
Insights into Mission Operations and Partner Cooperation
The multi-day visit provided the ZIF delegation with crucial insights into operational practice. In addition to talks with Head of Mission Eugène van Kemenade and briefings by various specialized units, the delegation visited several project sites and training facilities in Bamako, engaging directly with Malian partners. This included observing training measures aimed at preventing drug-related crime. The program was complemented by meetings at the German Embassy in Bamako.
ZIF as an Employer
Another key priority of the trip was fulfilling the employer’s Duty of Care toward the German experts. Exchanges were particularly close with ZIF-seconded staff in leadership positions, Philipp Schweers (Chief of Staff of the Mission) and Carmen Meinhold (Head of Press and Public Information Office). This enabled the ZIF delegation to gain a first-hand impression of the security situation and working conditions.
Outlook
Our advisory role includes, among other things, the design of mission mandates. Feedback from the field is therefore vital: the operational expertise of seconded personnel should enrich decision-making processes in Germany. Insights gained on the ground sharpen the political understanding of what matters in Mali and where a European presence creates genuine added value.
