Central African Republic: EU military training mission approved for two years

On 19 April 2016, the Council approved the establishment of a military training mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA) to contribute to the country's defence sector reform. 

The mission will be based in Bangui and operate for an initial period of two years. Following up an EU military advisory mission (EUMAM RCA), it will work towards a modernised, effective, inclusive and democratically accountable Central African Armed Forces (FACA). It will provide strategic advice to the CAR's Ministry of Defence and the general staff, as well as education and training to the FACA. 

EUTM RCA will operate in accordance with political and strategic objectives set out in the crisis management concept approved by the Council on 14 March 2016. 

EUMAM RCA was established on 19 January 2015. In close cooperation with the United Nations multidimensional integrated stabilization mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), EUMAM RCA advises the military authorities of the CAR on the reforms necessary to transform the country's armed forces into a professional, democratically controlled and ethnically representative army. Its mandate expires on 16 July 2016.

 Original