Spain continues to provide advisory and technical support to the Mozambican Armed Forces

• Take-over of Spanish observers from the EU military assistance mission to Mozambique

The EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) Mozambique, established on 1 September 2024 to replace the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUTM) Mozambique, whose main purpose is to provide military assistance to strengthen the capabilities of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) through advice, mentoring and specialised training. Since its deployment in this African country, Spain has contributed with two military observers, who have recently been relieved after the end of their predecessors' 6-month mission.

In accordance with the provisions of the European Union's Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy, the Spanish observers have adopted a comprehensive approach to support the FADM in the development and improvement of capabilities that increase the sustainability and operability of the Rapid Reaction Forces previously trained. In this way, the aim is for these Special Forces to be able to operate autonomously and effectively in the region of Cabo Delgado, where the jihadist threat is concentrated in the country, and always in accordance with international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights (IHRL).

Under the new mandate, EUMAM Mozambique has three main tasks: to advise the FADM in the development and implementation of its own doctrine; to provide specialised training; and to monitor the EU-trained Rapid Reaction Forces.

In this new phase, the two Spanish officers face the responsibilities of the new operational environment and are proud to represent the Spanish Armed Forces in the firm national commitment to advance along the lines set out by the European Union to contribute to security in Mozambique.

EUMAM Mozambique

On 16 April 2024, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) agreed that between June and September 2024, the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) Mozambique should gradually transition to an assistance model combining mentoring, coaching and specialised training in support of the Rapid Reaction Force units of the Mozambican Armed Forces, and that the mission should therefore be renamed the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique).

EUMAM's new mission has the challenge of consolidating the achievements made by EUTM, but also faces new challenges. Its main objective is to advise the Mozambican Armed Defence Forces (FADM) on the employment of trained Quick Reaction Forces (QRF), which ensure that units not only maintain their level of readiness, but also improve their operational capacity in complex scenarios, all within the framework of International Humanitarian Law.

EUMAM's new approach seeks to better integrate training capabilities within the FADM's organisational structures, ensure effective coordination and continue to provide the necessary support to address insurgent threats. This change also includes redeploying resources and updating training plans to align with the current needs of the security environment in Mozambique.

Spain has been a pillar of the mission since its inception, contributing observers to the EUTM structure. This participation will continue under the EUMAM mandate, with the presence of Spanish military personnel who will continue to contribute to the mission, contributing their experience and commitment to supporting stability and security in Mozambique.