L 72/32 Official Journal of the European Union 17.3.2015 COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 201 5/440 of 16 March 2015 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 33 and Article 31(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (I)  On 8 December 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/819/CESP (') appointing Mr Alexander RONDOS as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Horn of Africa. The EUSR’s mandate is to expire on 28 February 2015. (2)  The mandate of the EUSR should be further extended until 31 October 2015. (3)  The EUSR will implement the mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union’s external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 European Union Special Representative The mandate of Mr Alexander RONDOS as the EUSR for the Horn of Africa is extended until 31 October 2015. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, based on an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR). For the purposes of the mandate of the EUSR, the Horn of Africa is defined as comprising the Republic of Djibouti, the State of Eritrea, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Kenya, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Uganda. For issues with broader regional implications, the EUSR shall engage with countries and regional entities beyond the Horn of Africa, as appropriate. Article 2 Policy objectives 1. The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union in relation to the Horn of Africa, as set out in its strategic framework adopted on 14 November 2011 and in relevant Council conclusions, namely to contribute actively to regional and international efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence and lasting peace, security and development within and among the countries in the region. The EUSR shall furthermore aim to enhance the quality, intensity, impact and visibility of the Union’s multifaceted engagement in the Horn of Africa. 2. The policy objectives shall include, inter alia: (a) the continued stabilisation of Somalia, particularly as approached from a regional dimension; b) the peaceful coexistence of Sudan and South Sudan as two viable and prosperous states with robust and accountable p prosp political structures; (c) the resolution of current conflicts and avoidance of potential conflicts between or within countries in the region; (d) support for political, security and economic regional cooperation. (1) Council Decision 2011/819/CFSP of 8 December 2011 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa (OJL 327,9.12.2011, p. 62).