EU mission to train Central African security forces begins
The European Union Common Security and Defence policy civilian advisory mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA) will become operational today.
The EUAM RCA is an extension of an existing EU training mission that provides training and education to the Central African Republic’s armed forces. The mission was expanded to give strategic advice to the president’s cabinet, interior ministry and police in addition to the military. It will continue through to September 2022.
Since gaining independence in 1960, the RCA has experienced significant violence and instability. The Seleka, a coalition of armed, primarily Muslim groups, have led insurgencies against the government and opposition “anti-balaka” Christian fighters. Counterattacks from anti-balaka forces have led to spiral of violence along religious and ethnic lines since 2013.
Thus far, RCA armed forces are currently too disorganised to effectively contain ex-Seleka factions, due to lingering issues of corruption and selective conscription. The EURM RCA will strengthen the armed forces by increasing conscription, elevating training standards and boosting troop morale. In conjunction, the EURM RCA is likely to provide advice and support in hosting free, credible and transparent elections in December 2020. If successful, expect the EURM RCA to help the RCA government to reduce religious violence in the country.
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