The EU Training Mission in the Central African Republic begins the academic year at the officer and non-commissioned officer schools

•   Once again, Camp Kassai has witnessed the European Union's commitment to the security and stability of the African continent

The European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA) has celebrated the official opening of the 2025–2026 academic year at the officer and non-commissioned officer schools. The event took place at Camp Kassai, located in the capital, Bangui, and home to both schools, which have recently been refurbished thanks to a joint initiative between the European Union and MINUSCA, the United Nations mission that has been deployed in the Central African country since 2014.

The ceremony was presided over by the Head of State and President of the Republic, Faustin Archange Touadéra, and was attended by a large number of the highest civil and military authorities of the State, as well as representatives of the European Union, the United Nations and the international diplomatic corps present in the African country.

In his speech, President Touadéra acknowledged the great work carried out by EUTM RCA and assured that ‘this initiative reaffirms the commitment to developing a national army capable of protecting the population and supporting peace and stability in the country.’ In addition, the president officially renamed the centre the ‘Central African Officer Training School’, which looks determinedly to the future and aims to involve the whole of Central African society.

Among those in attendance was Spanish Colonel Alberto Serradilla Fidalgo, Chief of Staff of the EUTM RCA mission, who said that ‘this ceremony marks the beginning of a momentous activity for the training of the commanders of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and, therefore, for the security and stability of this African country and the entire region, to which Spain is deeply committed.’

At Camp Kassai, the start of this course reflects the shared commitment of the national authorities and their international partners to building a professional and operational Central African Armed Forces. In this regard, military schools play an essential role in training future leaders, reinforcing democratic values and respect for the rule of law.

Spanish participation in the EUTM RCA mission

The EUTM RCA was launched on 16 July 2016 at the request of the Government of the Central African Republic, within the framework of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). EUTM RCA is a non-executive mission, whose purpose is to contribute to the European Union's efforts to advise the CAR authorities in the field of security, as well as to promote the development of leadership among young leaders (officers and non-commissioned officers) of the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic (FACA).

In this way, it contributes to the security sector reform led by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), thereby strengthening its capacity to contribute to the defence of its territory and the protection of its population. This is part of the EU's integrated strategy, which, in addition to the military mission, includes a police mission and a diplomatic representation that coordinates the EU's external action.

Spain has been continuously involved in this European mission. It currently contributes seven Army personnel, with a Spanish colonel serving as Chief of Staff of the mission, while the rest hold prominent positions at EUTM RCA headquarters. In total, military personnel from nine European Union countries and other collaborating nations make up this mission. In this context, Spain is the third largest contributor in terms of the number of military personnel deployed.