The European Union Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM Mozambique) was honored to host the Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), Vice Admiral Herve Bléjean from 25 Apr to 02 May 2022.

For a week, Admiral Bléjean had the opportunity to meet military and civilian personnel from the nine EU member states with elements integrated into EUTM Mozambique and to verify the support that the mission provides to the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) by delivering training and strengthening the capabilities of FADM, thus supporting a more efficient and effective response to the security situation in Cabo Delgado Province.

During his visit, Vice Admiral Herve Bléjean conducted Key Leader Engagements with the Mozambican national authorities (the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and the Chief of Defence) and with the heads of diplomatic missions of EU Member states in Maputo, as well as the Rwandan Ambassador in Mozambique.

The MPCC Director took the opportunity to visit all the training areas where EUTM Mozambique trainers provide training to the vetted units of the Mozambican Armed forces (FADM). Admiral Bléjean verified the work done in the field and was updated on the latest developments of the early stage of the second training cycle, which aims to prepare two more Quick Reaction Force Units, consisting of Special Forces soldiers (Navy and Army) and Tactical Air Control Party specialists (Air Force).

The MPCC Director, accompanied by the Mission’s Force Commander, Brigadier-General Nuno Lemos Pires, and by a Flag Officer from the Mozambican Navy, visited Cabo Delgado province. Admiral Bléjean was received by the Governor of the province and visited the Naval Base of Pemba, where he was briefed on the progress made by the Mozambican Navy in this location. In Cabo Delgado, Admiral Bléjean, met the SADC Mission in Mozambique. He attended an operational briefing that allowed him to deepen his knowledge on the current security situation in the province and the main tasks assigned to the elements at the service of SADC. The MPCC Director visited the Macomia area, where military personnel from SAMIM are operating.

During the MPCC Director’s visit to Chimoio, he had the opportunity to visit, accompanied by the Political Advisor of the EU Delegation in Mozambique, a project supported by the EU, which includes former combatants undergoing the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process. There, it was possible to see a practical example of the European commitment to supporting Mozambique, where the integrated approach is applied, uniting security and support to development two essential peace enablers.

The MPCC Director honored the weekly military parade at the EUTM-MOZ  Headquarters in Maputo, where he addressed the women and men representing the EU in Mozambique, under his command. Admiral Bléjean met the ambassadors of the EU countries in Mozambique, and highlighted his satisfaction over the commitment shown by the mission’s personnel as an enabler to strengthen the ties and enhance the cooperation between the EU and Mozambique.

The establishment of EUTM Mozambique constitutes a part of the EU’s response to a request by the Government of Mozambique to address the crisis in Cabo Delgado including political dialogue, humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, security and development. The mission trains selected Mozambican units to constitute a quick reaction force to help the local armed forces in their efforts to bring back safety and security to Cabo Delgado province.

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