Transition in the EU mission in Mozambique with a change in name and commitment

• The mission changes its name from EUTM Mozambique to EUMAM Mozambique

Due to the transition of the EUTM Mozambique to the new EUMAM mission, the closing of the facilities operating in the town of Chimoio has been essential.

During the mandate of the EUTM Mozambique, the Chimoio Detachment, located in around 1,100 kilometres to the north of Maputo, became an essential centre for the training operations of Mozambique’s Armed Forces (also known as FADM, or ‘Forças Armadas de Defesa de Moçambique’ in Portuguese). Some key activities were carried out, such has training in advanced combat and logistic tactics, which have strengthened the capabilities of the FADM in counter-insurgency in Cabo Delgado.

This closure process is part of the overall drawdown of the EUTM, which implies not only the withdrawal of personnel, but also the relocation and disposition of the equipment that was critical during the mission.

EUMAM, which will assume new responsibilities in support of the FADM, is focused on the consolidation of the command and control capabilities at strategic and operational levels, which requires a restructuring of the operational resources and bases. In this context, the closure of the base in Chimoio is a logical and necessary step since the new operations will be more concentrated in high-priority areas and on the strengthening of more Mozambican military structures in strategic areas.

With the departure of the last convoy last 26 August, the restoration of the facilities on 31 August, the EUTM successfully completed the withdrawal, and demonstrated once again its compromise with security and stability in Mozambique, as well as to the orderly transition to the new EUMAM mission.

Likewise, this operation also stresses the importance of the commitment of Spain and its Armed Forces to global security. As part of this mission, Spain has contributed with two observers, which provides evidence of its continued support for stability in Mozambique, and reflects the conviction that Spain’s security goes beyond its borders and starts in those countries where instability and insecurity arise.