On Monday 28 March 2011, the Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Bernard Membe, along with his delegation visited the Operation ATALANTA Headquarters (OHQ) in Northwood. Mr Membe was accompanied on his visit by Diane Corner, the British High Commissioner to Tanzania and Peter Kallaghe, the Tanzanian High Commissioner to the UK.
On arrival at the Headquarters, the minister was met by Major General Buster Howes OBE, Operation Commander, EUNAVFOR and members of his staff. The delegation received a brief on Operation ATALANTA from the Chief of Staff, Colonel Richard Spencer OBE and a situational update from the intelligence section. The briefs highlighted current pirate trends and piracy incidents with particular reference to the areas around Tanzania and her neighbouring countries. Major General Howes emphasised the requirement for continual regional engagement and awareness in order to enhance the counter piracy effort.
Mr Membe thanked Major General Howes for the briefs and for further informing his understanding of the piracy situation within the Indian Ocean, and was keen to increase Tanzania’s engagement with EUNAVFOR.
EUNAVFOR units regularly visit DAR ES SALAAM port, providing surveillance in the Tanzanian and neighbouring waters. The visit enhanced the already strong EUNAVFOR - Tanzania relationship, with increased engagement in the future welcomed by both parties.
EUNAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EUNAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. EUNAVFOR finally monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.