Brigadier General Sérgio Estrela is the new Mission Force Commander of EUMAM MOZ
The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, Director of the European Union Military Planning and Conduct Capability and Commander of EUMAM MOZ. The change of command marks a new phase for the Mission, ensuring continuity in the European Union’s support to the Mozambican Defence Armed Forces (FADM) and in the security and defence partnership between the European Union and Mozambique.
Born in Porto in 1973, Brigadier General Sérgio Estrela joined the Portuguese Air Force Academy in 1992 and qualified as a pilot in 1997. Throughout his career, he has held several command and operational positions, namely Commander of 504 Squadron “Linces”, Commander of Operational Group 61 and Commander of Air Base No. 8. He also served as Aide-de-Camp to the President of the Portuguese Republic and as National Liaison Representative to the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), NATO, in the United States of America.
EUMAM MOZ began its mandate on 1 September 2024, continuing the work carried out by the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM MOZ). During its mandate, EUTM MOZ trained 11 Quick Reaction Forces (QRFs), involving approximately 1,700 military personnel, and certified more than 100 Mozambican trainers.
European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2026
EUMAM MOZ currently supports the FADM in developing the capabilities required to sustain the QRFs previously trained by EUTM MOZ, contributing to their ability to operate effectively and autonomously, particularly in Cabo Delgado.
Since the beginning of its mandate, EUMAM MOZ has delivered more than 70 assistance programmes, involving more than 1,900 FADM military personnel. Activities cover areas including mentoring, logistics, legal and gender advisory support, civil-military cooperation, military health and engineering, counterterrorism and communications.
Through mentoring, advisory support and specialised training, the Mission supports the FADM throughout the different phases of the QRF operational cycle, from preparation through deployment and regeneration. This contributes to maintaining operational readiness and enhancing the FADM’s autonomy in the conduct and sustainment of their operations. All activities are conducted in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.
Under the new command, EUMAM MOZ will continue to support the FADM in strengthening their capabilities and maintaining the operational readiness of the QRFs, reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to Mozambique.
European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique, 2026