The Spanish contingent deployed in the Central African Republic presents a donation to the medical centre run by the Notre-Dame de Fátima Association

 Among the donated items, a set of equipment for sterilising medical instruments and disposable nursing supplies

The Spanish contingent of the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA) has delivered a new donation of medical supplies to the ‘Mama ti Fátima’ medical centre, run by the Notre-Dame de Fátima Association, in the city of Bangui.

Among the donated items are a set of medical instrument sterilisation equipment and a wide variety of nursing consumables. All of these have been donated by retired Army Colonel Ángel Felipe De la Rosa López.

The Notre-Dame de Fátima Association is located in one of the most troubled districts of the city of Bangui. It is a place where different cultures come together, promoting initiatives aimed at caring for and supporting the most vulnerable people of the community.

The ‘Mama ti Fátima’ medical complex includes a fully operational pharmacy and a medical laboratory. New facilities are currently being developed, such as a polyclinic, a dental and ophthalmology clinic, and a haemodialysis unit. Dr Cédric Ouanekpone, as the project’s medical director, also carries out outreach medical consultations using mobile units, providing access to free healthcare in the areas most in need.

Spanish participation in the EUTM RCA mission

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). It is a non-executive mission, the purpose of which is to contribute to the European Union’s efforts to advise the CAR authorities on security matters, as well as to contribute to the development of young leaders (officers and non-commissioned officers) within the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic (FACA).

This contributes to the reform of the security sector led by the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), thereby strengthening its capacity to help defend its territory and protect its population. This forms part of the EU’s integrated strategy, which, in addition to the military mission, includes a police mission, as well as a diplomatic representation that coordinates the EU’s external action.

Spain has maintained a continuous presence in this European mission. It currently contributes seven military personnel from the Army. The Spanish colonel serves as the mission’s Chief of Staff, whilst the rest hold key posts at EUTM RCA headquarters. In total, military personnel from nine European Union countries and other partner nations make up this mission. Spain is the third-largest contributor in terms of the number of personnel deployed.