The Horn of Africa at the Center of Italian Commitment

General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, Commander of the Joint Operational Command (COVI) and former Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade Folgore, recently concluded an institutional mission in Djibouti and Somalia. A visit of great strategic importance that confirms the commitment of the Italian Armed Forces to the security and stability of the Horn of Africa.

The visit to the Italian Military Support Base (BMIS) in Djibouti

Welcomed in Djibouti by the Commander of BMIS, Colonel Stefano Capriglione, and the Commander of the Italian Training Mission “MIADIT Somalia”, Colonel Fabio Coppolino, General Iannucci visited the entire facility, a logistical hub for Italian missions in the area. Since 2012, BMIS has been a crucial hub for supporting Italian military operations in the Horn of Africa, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean. The base also hosts the Carabinieri contingent of MIADIT, engaged in training activities for local security forces, demonstrating Italy's contribution to the stabilization of the region.

Aboard Nave Martinengo: maritime security and operation “ASPIDES”

General Iannucci continued the visit by boarding Nave Martinengo, a FREMM of the Italian Navy, under the command of Commander Giuseppe Germinario. Since February 1st, the naval unit has been the flagship of the European operation “ASPIDES”, aimed at ensuring the safety of navigation along major international trade routes. On this occasion, the COVI Commander conveyed greetings from the Minister of Defense, Hon. Guido Crosetto, and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano, emphasizing the importance of their role in protecting maritime routes essential for the global economy and Europe's energy security.

The Italian contribution to Somalia's security with EUTM-S

In Mogadishu, General Iannucci met with Italian military personnel deployed in the European Union Training Mission Somalia (EUTM-S), led by Brigadier General Giuseppe Zizzari. The mission aims to train the Somali National Security Forces in a context marked by political instability and the threat of Al-Shabaab terrorism. During the meeting with Somali authorities, including the Deputy Minister of Defense and the Deputy Chief of Defense Staff, gratitude was expressed for Italy's support to local institutions and security forces.

Diplomatic meetings and international cooperation in Mogadishu

During the visit, General Iannucci held significant meetings at the International Campus with the Deputy Head of the European Union Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP), the Ambassador of the European Delegation in Somalia, Karin Johansson, and the Italian Ambassador, Pier Mario Daccò Coppi. The talks reinforced the shared commitment to collaborate in enhancing the capabilities of Somali security forces and promoting regional stability. The importance of cooperation between European partners and local actors to build strong relationships and long-term projects also emerged.

The “Mattei Plan” for Africa and the Italian strategic vision

General Iannucci highlighted how the Italian commitment in Somalia and Djibouti fits into the vision of the “Mattei Plan” for Africa. The plan aims to promote new partnerships not only in the security field but also in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, health, and education sectors. “There is no security without development, and there is no development without security,” emphasized the COVI Commander, stressing the need for an integrated approach that fosters the economic and social growth of partner countries.

The leadership of General Giovanni Maria Iannucci in the service of Defense

With this mission in Djibouti and Somalia, General Giovanni Maria Iannucci confirms the leadership of the Italian Armed Forces in the Wider Mediterranean and the crucial role of the Italian presence in the Horn of Africa. A constant commitment to protecting national and European interests and supporting local communities for a future of shared stability and security.