The European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM) trained over 450 personnel from the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) through 14 capacity-building programmes in the first half of 2025, as part of its mission to enhance the country’s military capabilities and foster long-term stability. Replacing the previous EU Training Mission (EUTM) in September 2024, EUMAM has broadened its focus to include vital skills such as civil-military cooperation (CIMIC), leadership, tactical driving, technical training, military pedagogy, and logistical sustainability of European Peace Facility (EPF) assets.
Beyond military training, EUMAM has also deepened its community engagement across Mozambique by organizing a series of outreach and solidarity initiatives designed to support vulnerable populations and build trust between security forces and local communities. These efforts included visits to orphanages, schools, and support centers, providing essential supplies and educational materials to hundreds of children and families.
Notable activities included donations to the Association of Friends of Children Orphaned by AIDS (AACOSIDA) in January, food deliveries to a primary school in Katembe in March, and a women-focused initiative in Maputo in April to mark Mozambican Women’s Day. On World Book Day, EUMAM partnered with the Italian Navy to distribute books and toys at Cumbeza Primary School, while International Children’s Day saw the mission hosting recreational events and meals for 100 children at São Roque Mission Orphanage in Bela Vista.
These initiatives demonstrate EUMAM’s commitment to upholding human rights and promoting humanitarian values while supporting FADM in building a sustainable and autonomous operational military structure. The mission’s mandate is set to run until June 2026.
Meanwhile, Mozambique’s security situation remains fragile, particularly in the northern Cabo Delgado province. Recent reports confirm that on June 28, heavy fighting between Mozambican forces and Islamic State-affiliated insurgents at Catupa base in Macomia district resulted in significant casualties. While Islamic State claimed responsibility for killing 30 Mozambican soldiers and released graphic images as proof, reports also confirm substantial losses among the insurgents.
Ongoing operations in the Catupa forest area, conducted jointly by FADM and Rwandan forces, aim to disrupt insurgent activities. According to the Cabo Ligado conflict monitoring project, Macomia district has experienced intense insurgent activity in recent weeks, underscoring the urgent need for continued international support and military readiness in the region.
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