Mozambique’s 3rd Marine Rapid Reaction Company strengthens its capacity to protect the civilian population

•  The exercise, initiated and coordinated by the team of mentors from the EU Mission in the African country, under Spanish leadership, validates the unit’s tactical capabilities

The European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM MOZ) is making progress in strengthening the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM). Under the supervision of the mentoring team — led by a lieutenant colonel from the Spanish Army — the 3rd Rapid Reaction Company of the Navy’s Fuzileiros has successfully completed its final validation exercise.

The exercise, carried out at a school in Katembe, assessed not only the unit’s tactical capabilities but also its ability to protect and assist the civilian population in crisis situations. The scenario involved a simulated fire at a local school, where the marines deployed a reinforced section with medical and rescue capabilities, organised into four operational units: evacuation, crowd control, search of the premises, and a command post for overall coordination.

During the exercise, the Mozambican unit successfully managed the EVACUATION of between 450 and 500 pupils and teachers to a safe area. To raise the bar, the mentors introduced further incidents to assess the speed of decision-making in response to unforeseen events and strict adherence to company procedures.

In the current regeneration cycle of the Rapid Reaction Forces, the European Union Mission prioritises humanitarian preparedness, respect for human rights and close cooperation with local institutions. In this context, Mozambican military personnel practised essential skills for complex scenarios: dealing with minors, crisis communication and the ability to convey messages of reassurance to the population.

EUMAM MOZ’s mandate combines advice, mentoring and specialised training to support the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) in developing a sustainable operational cycle, in accordance with international humanitarian law and respect for human rights.

To conclude the operational phase of the exercise, a community engagement day was organised with the aim of bringing the Mozambican Armed Forces closer to the civilian population, strengthening mutual trust and showing young people that their Armed Forces are prepared to protect, assist and support the community in emergency situations.

The activity, initiated and coordinated by the Training and Mentoring Section of EUMAM MOZ, reflects Spain’s commitment and contribution to the European Union’s multinational effort to strengthen the capabilities of the FADM, enhancing their operational autonomy and their ability to respond to security challenges and protect their population. Through exercises of this kind, EUMAM MOZ and the Mozambican Armed Forces continue to work together towards the consolidation of professional, well-prepared Armed Forces that are close to the population.

EUMAM Mozambique: shared security

On 16 April 2024, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) agreed to the gradual transition of the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) Mozambique, which began in 2021, towards a model combining advice, mentoring and specialised training for the Rapid Reaction Force units of the Mozambican Armed Forces.

Currently, under the name European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique), European military personnel — including two Spanish officers — continue to work to enhance the capabilities of these units so that they can independently ensure the security of the population, particularly in the north of the country.