Welcome to Mozambique, where a powerful partnership between the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM MOZ) and the Mozambican Armed Defence Forces (FADM) is doing more than training troops—they’re building futures.

Led by Portuguese Brigadier General Luís Barroso and made up of 83 military experts from 11 nations, EUMAM MOZ is no ordinary mission. Sure, there are uniforms, tactical training, and military lingo. But beneath the surface is something far more compelling: a mission dedicated to a long-terrm partnership for security.

In just six months, over 450 Mozambican service members have taken part in 14 capacity-building programs. These aren’t just crash courses in soldiering. They’re about leadership. Strategic thinking. Tactical driving. Even teaching others to teach—what they call military pedagogy. The goal? Empower Mozambique’s forces to stand strong, independently and sustainably, with full respect for human rights.

But while the drills go on in the field, something equally vital is happening in the community. They call it CIMIC—short for Civil-Military Cooperation—and it might be the most human part of the mission.

It happened in January, at AACOSIDA, an orphanage in Matola for children affected by AIDS. EUMAM MOZ didn’t arrive with lectures or drills. They brought toys, books, school supplies, and laughter. For 89 children, it was a day of games and joy that left more than memories—it left connection.

And the moments kept coming.

In March, they went to Katembe, where a school run by Franciscan sisters supports vulnerable kids. There, EUMAM MOZ showed up with food—and stayed to listen.

In April, to celebrate Mozambican Women’s Day, the mission honored the incredible work of the Hixikanwe Association by donating food and a refrigerator, supporting women and children living with HIV or recovering from gender-based violence.

Later that month, on World Book Day, they joined forces with the Italian Navy to give books, toys, and snacks to students at Cumbeza Primary School in Marracuene. Because sometimes, peace comes through pages and play.

Then came June 1st—International Children’s Day—and with it, a special visit to São Roque Mission Orphanage in Bela Vista. The team organized a full day of fun and meals for 100 children. And when they returned to Esperança Orphanage later that month, they brought essentials: food, clothes, bedding—hope in tangible form.

Strength with a Soul

All of this—military training and community care—adds up to a broader vision: a self-reliant Mozambique, equipped not only with professional forces, but with deep community trust.

EUMAM MOZ isn’t here to fight wars. It’s here to help build peace. Their work isn’t about dominance. It’s about partnership, sustainability, and human dignity.

And it’s working.

Behind every leadership course, every box of donated books, every game played with an orphaned child—there’s a quiet but powerful message: We’re here. We care. And we’re building something better. Together.

The mission runs through June 2026. But if the first half of 2025 is any indication, its impact will last far longer. So while headlines flash with conflict and crisis elsewhere, EUMAM MOZ is  building bridges where the world needs them most.