EU Military Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM Mozambique)

SUMMARY OF:

Decision (CFSP) 2021/1143 on a European Union Military Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM Mozambique)

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION?

The decision launches a European Union (EU) military Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM Mozambique) designed to support a more efficient and effective response by the Mozambican armed forces to the crisis in Cabo Delgado, complying with human rights and international humanitarian law.
The strategic objective is to support the units of the Mozambican armed forces selected for a future Quick Reaction Force (QRF), to develop and sustain the ability to restore safety and security in Cabo Delgado.

KEY POINTS

The mission is designed to provide military training to the QRF and its leadership, including:

operational preparation;
specialised training, including on counterterrorism;
training and education on complying with human rights and international humanitarian law, including protecting civilians, and respect for the rule of law;
support for developing command and control structures and mechanisms;
training in using non-military equipment or platforms, where provided by the EU, not designed to ‘deliver lethal force’;
setting up a means to track the conduct of the trained QRF units deployed in Cabo Delgado and how they comply with human rights and international humanitarian law, in coordination with the Mozambican authorities.

The mission will also:

contribute to the EU’s awareness of the security situation in Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado;
provide military expertise and advice to the EU Delegation to Mozambique;
coordinate with the EU delegation, the United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organisations in Mozambique, particularly to put in place a gender and human rights policy.

Mission command and mission headquarters

The Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) is appointed to command the mission.
Brigadier-General Nuno Lemos Pires is appointed EU Mission Force Commander.
The MPCC is the static command and control structure at the military strategic level outside the area of operations and is responsible for operational planning.
Mission force headquarters is located in Mozambique under the command of the EU Mission Force Commander.
A support cell located in Brussels is included in the MPCC until it reaches full operational capacity.

Political control and strategic direction

Under the responsibility of the Council of the European Union and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) is authorised to exercise political control and strategic direction of the mission, including powers to amend planning documents.
The Council authorises the PSC to take decisions, including the power to amend the mission plan and the chain of command and appoint the EU Mission Force Commander.
The Council retains decision-making powers on the objectives, scope and termination of the mission.
The PSC reports regularly to the Council and receives reports from the chair of the EU Military Committee (EUMC).

Military direction

The EUMC monitors the military mission and receives regular reports from the EU Mission Commander. It may invite the EU Mission Commander and the EU Mission Force Commander to its meetings, as appropriate.
The chair of the EUMC is the primary point of contact with the EU Mission Commander.

Non-EU countries

Non-EU countries may be invited to take part in the mission. Countries making significant military contributions will have the same rights and obligations in terms of day-to-day management of the mission as EU Member States taking part in the mission.

Project cell

The mission may have a project cell to identify and implement projects while coordinating, facilitating and providing advice on projects implemented by Member States and non-EU countries.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?

The decision launching the mission entered into force on 12 July 2021.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

European Union Training Mission in Mozambique (European External Action Service).

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/1143 of 12 July 2021 on a European Union Military Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM Mozambique) (OJ L 247, 13.7.2021, pp. 93–98).