The Director General of the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), Esa Pulkkinen, announced on Thursday 16 April that the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) had advised military missions in Africa to reduce their presence there, as they cannot fulfil their mandate due to limitations related to COVID-19.
Although African missions are being downsized, a presence is still being maintained. “Member States are flying redeployment flights in good coordination”, Pulkkinen said on Twitter. Personnel deemed essential remain in the field.
Spain, which represents the largest contingent in the EUTM Mali mission, has reportedly begun the early withdrawal of more than 100 troops. Of the eight Slovenians on the mission, six have returned home, including one patient due to COVID-19, and two are still there, according to the Slovenian Ministry of Defence.
In some missions, both military and civilian, teleworking has been introduced. In addition tomilitary missions (see EUROPE 12462/12), civilian missions have also been adapted or reduced their operational activities whenever necessary. Other activities with partners are maintained by e-mail, telephone or video.
Within their means, EU missions also provide advice and, where possible, donate medical and protective equipment to partners. Among other things, the EU has donated personal protective equipment to Mali and a mobile clinic and a portable thermal imaging system to Palestine. The EUTM Somalia medical adviser supports the head of the medical department of the Somali National Armed Forces with advice on how to deal with emergencies related to COVID-19.
At least 25 people infected in military missions
Personnel in several missions have been affected by the coronavirus. Of the six military missions, four have personnel contaminated by COVID-19: one in Operation Atalanta and one in Operation Irini, 14 in EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, six of whom have already been repatriated and nine in EUTM Mali. Of these nine infected persons in EUTM Mali, two are new cases, announced on 17 April (see EUROPE 12466/20) and six confirmed cases have already been repatriated, “as well as staff in close contact with them”. In addition, one person is recovering without symptoms and has been quarantined for another 14 days, the mission said in a statement.
To date, no cases have been confirmed in either EUTM Somalia or EUTM RCA.
A total of 25 cases of COVID-19 patients have been discovered in military missions. No figures have been disclosed on civilian missions. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)