Relief of the Spanish observers deployed in the EUMAM Mozambique mission

• The Spanish military assume the responsibility of providing military assistance, with the objective of strengthening the capabilities of the Mozambican Armed Forces

The Spanish observers of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM MOZ) have taken over at the end of their deployment in the African country. Thus, Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Pasquín Agüero and Lieutenant Colonel José Luis Rodríguez Santisteban succeed Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Benito Cuéllar and Major Enrique Bascuas Figueras in their functions.

The transition from a training mission, the European Union Training Mission (EUTM), to a military assistance mission, the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), has recently been completed. In this new context, the Spanish military now assume the task and responsibility of providing military assistance, with the objective of strengthening the capabilities of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) through advice, supervision and specialised training.

In this operational environment, Spanish officers work in the mission's headquarters, located in Maputo, with the aim of advancing along the lines set out in the EU's Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy, which pays special attention to Africa.

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 - which started in 2021 - should be gradually transitioned to an assistance model combining mentoring, coaching and specialised training in support of the Rapid Reaction Force units of the Mozambican Armed Forces. Consequently, the mission was renamed the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique).

EUMAM is now challenged to consolidate the achievements of EUTM, but also faces new challenges. Its main objective is to advise the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) on the employment of its Quick Reaction Forces (QRF). At the same time, it must ensure that the units not only maintain their level of preparedness, but also improve their operational capacity in complex scenarios, always within the framework of international humanitarian law. In this way, EUMAM 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 national security environment.

In this context of cooperation, Spain has been a fundamental pillar in the mission since its beginnings, with the contribution of military observers to EUTM Mozambique, which now continues under the mandate of EUMAM. In this way, Spain's continued participation in this mission, to which we contribute the experience and expertise of our military personnel, demonstrates the commitment to stability and security in Mozambique and of the entire international community.