Brussels, 19/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - The Council of the EU took the decision on Monday 19 January to establish the new EU Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (CAR), EUMAM RCA, to follow on from the current EU military operation in CAR, EUFOR RCA, when it comes to an end on 15 March of this year. Brigadier General Dominique Laugel from France has been appointed EU Mission Commander.
The new mission will provide advice at the highest level to the CAR authorities on reforming the security sector, with priority given to reform of the country's armed forces, known under the acronym of FACA. Training programmes may also be conducted but these will be limited and non-operational in nature.
The EUMAM RCA will have a staff complement of up to 60 people (55 at mission headquarters in Bangui plus five in a medical unit). The budget (joint costs) for the preparation and the first year of the mission is estimated at €7.9 million. (JK)