Mogadishu, Somalia – Kati Bailey, a Finnish national seconded by CMC Finland, has officially taken over as the Deputy Head of Mission at the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAPSOM) as of November 2, 2025. Her appointment marks a significant addition to the mission’s leadership at a time when Somalia is striving to strengthen its maritime governance and security in a complex regional environment.
Bailey brings a wealth of experience in defence, security sector reform, and EU crisis management operations. Her background, shaped through years of service in international peace and stability missions, is expected to bolster EUCAP Somalia’s ongoing work with Somali institutions responsible for law enforcement, coast guard operations, and maritime administration.
EUCAPSOM, a cornerstone of the European Union’s support to Somalia’s security architecture, focuses on enhancing the country’s ability to secure its waters and uphold the rule of law at sea. Its efforts have been vital in combating piracy, curbing illicit trade, and building long-term maritime resilience.
Under Bailey’s leadership, the mission’s partnership with Somali authorities is expected to deepen, particularly as the country continues to rebuild its institutions and assert control over its coastline — one of the longest in Africa. Her role will involve coordinating technical support, training, and policy guidance that align with Somalia’s broader national security priorities.
Her arrival comes amid persistent regional challenges, including maritime threats, transnational crime, and the effects of climate-related pressures on coastal communities. In this context, Bailey’s expertise will play a crucial role in advancing stability and ensuring that Somalia’s maritime domain becomes a source of security and economic opportunity rather than vulnerability.
As the EU reaffirms its long-standing commitment to Somalia’s recovery and sovereignty, Bailey’s appointment symbolizes both continuity and renewed energy in a mission that remains essential to the country’s peace and progress.