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The European Union Naval Force on Thursday completed its 100th escort of an African Union Mission in Somalia (AMSIOM) vessel carrying humanitarian supplies to the Horn of Africa nation.

The EU Naval Force warships are providing protection to the UN chartered vessels supplying the AMISOM which is supporting the transitional Somali government to stabilize the lawless nation. "The successful completion of the one hundredth escort of an AMISOM sustainment shipment today marks a significant milestone for the European Naval Force in Somalia," the Force's Operation Commander Major General Buster Howes OBE said in a statement. OBE said the protection of humanitarian and other vulnerable shipping against the scourge of piracy is central to the EU Naval Force's mission and is of direct benefit to the well-being of the Somali people and the success of the Transitional Federal Government.

"I am extremely proud of the men and women of European Navies who prosecute this essential, if unglamorous, task," OBE said

AMISOM is mandated to conduct Peace Support Operations in Somalia to stabilize the situation in the country in order to create conditions for the conduct of Humanitarian activities and an immediate take over by the United Nations (UN).

The first AMISOM escort took place on the 6th February 2009 with the vessel departing Djibouti and arriving in Mogadishu. EU also provides naval escorts for WFP ships heading to Somalia which are vital for WFP to continue meeting increased needs in Somalia. A succession of governments has generously supported WFP operations by providing naval escorts for ships carrying food assistance over the past year.

Since the naval escort system began in November 2007, no ship loaded with WFP food heading to Somalia has been hijacked. Ninety percent of WFP food for Somalia arrives by sea.

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