The governments of Mozambique and Portugal requested on Tuesday (9) the renewal of the mandate of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM-Mozambique), currently led by Portugal, proposing that it be extended until at least 2028. The appeal is included in the final declaration of the 6th Luso-Mozambican Summit, held in Porto under the leadership of President Daniel Chapo and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
According to Lusa, the European mission, whose current mandate ends on 30 June 2026, supports counter-terrorism efforts in Cabo Delgado Province through specialized training of the Rapid Reaction Forces of the Mozambican Armed Defense Forces (FADM). Authorities from both countries expressed the expectation that the mandate extension will last “no less than two years” and be adjusted “to the needs on the ground.”
On the occasion, the Portuguese Prime Minister praised the efforts of Mozambican defense and security forces in combating violent extremism, highlighting EUMAM-Mozambique’s role as a pillar of European military cooperation in the region.
“The contribution provided, particularly in training the Mozambican Rapid Reaction Forces in support of stabilization and security promotion efforts” in the northern part of the country, is noted in the joint document.
The two delegations reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable response to terrorism, recognizing that combating extremism goes beyond the military dimension. They also expressed the intention to strengthen actions in economic development, social cohesion, and humanitarian assistance, focusing on populations affected by armed attacks. After condemning the “barbaric and inhumane actions” of terrorist groups operating in Cabo Delgado, both governments reaffirmed their solidarity with the victims and commitment to deepening cooperation in defense, security, and development aid. The aim, they emphasized, is to build structural solutions that contribute to lasting stability in the region.
According to the assessment of the mission’s first year of activity, previously released by the European Union, more than 500 Mozambican soldiers have been trained since September 2024. EUMAM-Mozambique succeeds the EU training mission launched in 2021 and has so far implemented 16 training programs in close coordination with the FADM.
The renewal of EUMAM’s mandate will now be analyzed by the relevant European authorities, taking into account the formal requests from Lisbon and Maputo, as well as operational reports from the mission on the ground. For national authorities, the continuation of this support is essential for consolidating the national response to the terrorist threat and strengthening the institutional capacity of the armed forces.
Source: Diário Económico
