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Mozambique: Future of EU Training Mission to be decided in the coming weeks – Borrell
10:52 CAT | 18 Mar 2024
File photo: AFP
The future of the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM-MOZ), which trains soldiers in the fight against terrorism, will be decided in the coming weeks, according to the European Commission.
“The EU military training mission to Mozambique (EUTM Mozambique) is currently undergoing a strategic review of its mandate, expiring in September 2024. Its current mandate is to train eleven Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs) to be deployed in Cabo Delgado,” reads the written response of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Defence Policy, Josep Borrell, to a question posed by Portuguese MEP Paulo Rangel (PSD).
In the response, dated Wednesday (13-03) and written on behalf of the European Commission, Borrell adds that, “at present,” the EUTM-MOZ, led since 2022 by Portugal on a two-year mandate, “is training the last QRF” of the Mozambican Navy.
“Through the European Peace Facility, the EU provides support to Mozambican armed forces with EUR 89 million to acquire non-lethal equipment for the EUTM-trained units, which will continue throughout 2024. A proposal on the future of the EUTM will be discussed and endorsed by the Member States in the up-coming weeks,” the response adds.
In the question, Rangel asked whether “the availability of new funds to equip and train the armed forces fighting the terrorist insurgency” was planned.
The topic comes at a time when, after several months of relative tranquillity in the districts affected by armed violence in Cabo Delgado, the province has for a few weeks now been registering new movements and attacks by rebel groups.
“The EU is aware of recent events in Cabo Delgado province, which witnessed a resurgence of violence from insurgents. The EU Delegation in Maputo is discussing with partners how to respond to the new needs caused by the last attacks and consequent displacements,” Borrell says.
He emphasizes that “the EU’s integrated approach”, combining development, humanitarian, peace-building and security actions, “will continue to be at the core of EU’s actions in Mozambique.”
“Currently EUR 91.5 million of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) envelope of the multiannual indicative program for Mozambique, is destined for specific projects in the North of the country,” he adds.
“In addition, the EU budget dedicated to humanitarian aid for 2023 and 2024 is entirely dedicated to the support of the conflict-affected population. The EU is supporting its humanitarian partners which are currently assisting the people forcibly displaced in these latest waves of attacks , particularly as regards needs of shelters, food and non-food distributions, water and protection of the affected population,” Borrell’s response concludes.
Defence Minister of Mozambique, Cristóvão Chume, expressed his conviction regarding the continuity of EUTM-MOZ on February 29, also calling for lethal weapons.
“Of course, the program will continue, because even the forces on the ground need to be refreshed. And you know that when you train, you go to the field, face a situation, have to come back to share the lessons learned in the field and probably change some things,” Chume told Lusa after a meeting, in Maputo, with the president of the EU Political and Security Committee, ambassador Delphine Pronk.
EUTM-MOZ is made up of a contingent of 117 people, 65 of whom are Portuguese, who train Mozambique’s 11 Special Forces companies in Katembe (Maputo) and in the province of Manica.
“Of course, we also reinforced the need that simply supporting Mozambique in training people and providing non-lethal equipment is not enough,” added the minister.
READ: Mozambique calls on EU to provide lethal equipment against terrorism – AIM report
What an amazing working visit to #SouthAfrica, #Mozambique and #Ethiopia with EU’s Political and Security Committee. Thanks to 🇪🇺🇿🇦🇲🇿🇪🇹🌍@EUinSA @EUinMoz @EUTMMozambique @EUinEthiopia @EUtoAU @eu_eeas https://t.co/Ird2PqZKEM
— Delphine Pronk (@FienBZ) March 3, 2024
Source: Lusa
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