Replacement of the EUTM Mozambique mission observers

• The two Spanish military personnel also met with the Spanish ambassador to Mozambique.

With the deployment of the new national contingent in Mozambique, Lieutenant Colonel Juan Ricardo Sánchez González handed over command to Lieutenant Colonel Juan Luis San Juan de Castro. Lieutenant Colonels Pedro Rey Canudo, outgoing, and Eduardo Isidro Carrero, incoming, also took over, thus concluding the changeover in EUTM Mozambique.

The national contribution to EUTM Mozambique is made up of two military observers who are integrated into the HQ located in the Mozambican capital, Maputo. Both are heads of the logistics and training and instruction sections. Two key positions in the EUTM Mozambique mission.

The new contingent members face the challenge of maintaining the professionalism and high standards shown by their predecessors, as well as contributing new ideas to improve the planning and execution of the tasks entrusted to them.

The rotation will continue with the aim of making further progress along the lines set out in the Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy, supporting the missions and operations of the Common Security and Defence Policy.

A working meeting was held with the Spanish ambassador in Mozambique, Alberto Cerezo Sobrino, which was also attended by the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Mozambique, Rubén Ruiz Cardeñosa. During this meeting, the opportunity was taken to introduce the new members and bid farewell to the outgoing ones. There was also an opportunity to exchange information on the general aspects of the mission and the current situation in the province of Cabo Delgado, which is frequently visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Resolution of the Council of the European Union

On 12 July 2021, the decision establishing an EU military training mission in Mozambique (European Union Training Mission - EUTM Mozambique) was adopted. The mission aims to train and assist the Mozambican armed forces in protecting the civilian population and restoring security and safety in the province of Cabo Delgado.

EUTM Mozambique Mission

This EU mission is aimed at capacity building of selected units of the Mozambican armed forces to form a future rapid reaction force. In particular, the mission will provide military training, including operational readiness, specialised counter-terrorism training, and training and education on the protection of civilians and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.