Since 2016, EUTM RCA has been contributing to the Defense Sector reform in CAR and working towards the goal of a modernized, effective, and democratically accountable Central African Armed Forces (FACA). EUTM RCA has moved into its third mandate continuing the work had been done on strategic advice to the Ministry of Defense, military staff and armed forces, education and operational training to the FACA. In Camp Kassai the EUTM works daily to improve the FACA capabilities integrating a gender perceptive with the guidance of UNSCR 1325 on Women Peace and Security focused on the goal of obtaining effectiveness. Many examples are in which women are illustrations of integration as well as effectiveness, leading teams efficiently in a modern and demanding environment. One of those examples is the Sargent Chef Lely Bombida, who is currently the Commander of the Sanitary Department of Camp Kassai. She was interviewed by the EUTM and shared with us her experience.

“Hello, I am Sargent-Chef Lely Bombida, I am a Combat Casualty Care instructor of the “Groupement Central des Armées”, and I am currently assigned at the Kassai training Centre, to train young recruits.
 I have attended the EUTM Train the Trainers of Combat Casualty Care Course.

Within my unit (Groupe), I am commanding three female and eight male militaries. The role of female soldiers, in the Central African Republic armed forces, is to perform their jobs correctly and obtain diplomas to train people as in my case in which I am a medic instructor, and I am training young recruits.

My daily tasks involve gathering FETTA recruits and all the necessary gear, and we discuss a few topics and then carry on with the theoretical and practical training. 

I want to say to women to be brave and to work hard at Scholl in order to obtain diplomas in our country because I am also a woman and I joined the army, and I work hard every day. That is what I would like people to know. 

I would also like to thank our partnership with EUTM RCA because, thanks to you, today our FACA members have diplomas and knowledge.”

The Central African Armed Forces are following the guidance of UNSCR 1325 on Women Peace and Security looking forward to better and more efficient future. 

“Stronger Together”