Press release
11 July 2012
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Justice
Swede new Head of the EU Police Mission in Afghanistan
Swedish District Police Commissioner Karl Åke Roghe has been appointed Head of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL Afghanistan). The mission is to assist the Afghan police in setting up an effective civil police organisation. Mr Roghe will take up his position at the mission on 1 August 2012.
"The appointment of Åke Roghe as head of EUPOL Afghanistan comes at a stage when Sweden is shifting its focus in Afghanistan from military commitment to civil. The Government attaches great value to the appointment and supports Åke Roghe in his assignment," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.
"I am pleased that a Swede will have the opportunity to lead the important work of improving security in Afghanistan," says Minister for Justice Beatrice Ask.
EUPOL Afghanistan was launched in June 2007. In addition to Mr Roghe, some twenty Swedes are currently serving in the mission, posted by the Swedish Police, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and the Folke Bernadotte Academy. Mr Roghe has sound experience of the EU's international activities and has previously served in both Kosovo and the Sudan. Mr Roghe most recently held a position with the police authority in Gävleborg.
Swedish involvement in EUPOL Afghanistan is part of Sweden's comprehensive efforts in Afghanistan.
