Inauguration of officers school in Central African Republic

This important milestone marked a significant step forward in the establishment of the Officer School, a key institution designed to strengthen the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) through structured military education, leadership development and the promotion of professional standards.

This ceremony is not only about inaugurating the buildings, it marks the beginning of a broader commitment: the establishment of the Officer School, dedicated to educating and mentoring future Central African officers. Its mission is to equip them with the knowledge, values, and leadership skills necessary to serve with honour, responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.

Through this joint effort, the European Union and the United Nations reaffirm their long-term support for defence reform and institutional resilience in the Central African Republic.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excellency Professor Faustin Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, alongside the Prime Minister, H.E. Félix Moloua, the President of the National Assembly, H.E. Simplice Mathieu Sarandji, the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Reconstruction, Rameau Claude BIREAU, members of the Government of the Central African Republic, the Deputy SRSG for Political Affairs, the Chief of General Staff and Commander of the Autonomous Defence Zone of Bangui, General Zépherin Mamadou, the Director General of the European Union Military Staff and Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan and the Mission Force Commander of EUTM RCA, Brigadier General Nicolae Gabriel Oros, as well as high-level guests including senior officials, the diplomatic and consular corps, national and international dignitaries and representatives of the United Nations and European Union institutions and civil society.

As a mark of recognition for the European Union’s significant contribution to strengthening the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), the President of the Central African Republic, H.E. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, awarded the Director of the MPCC, Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, the "Ordre National du Mérite Centrafricain" with the rank of Commander.