Romania holds command of the EUTM RCA mission for the fourth consecutive year

Romania holds command of the EUTM RCA mission for the fourth consecutive year

Romania is continuing its commitment to the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA), holding its command for the fourth consecutive year.

Thus, on Wednesday, September 16, Brigadier General Irinel Apostolescu took over the command of the mission from Brigadier General Claudiu-Mădălin Tamaș, during a military ceremony held at Camp Moana, in Bangui.

The event took place in the presence of His Excellency Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, Director General of the European Union Military Staff and Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), as well as Major General Claudiu-Mihail Sava, Deputy for Planning to the Chief of Defence Staff.

Romania's holding of the EUTM RCA command for the fourth consecutive year reflects the continuity of our country's contribution to the European Union's efforts to support the Central African Republic, as well as its commitment to developing the defence capabilities of Central African partners.

During his mandate, Brigadier General Claudiu-Mădălin Tamaș coordinated the Mission's activities, and focused on the capability development of the Central African Armed Forces through strategic advice, military professional training, and specialized courses.

At the same time, cooperative relations were strengthened with the Central African authorities, the other European Union missions in the area, and the international partners present in the Central African Republic.

The command takeover by Brigadier General Irinel Apostolescu ensures the continuity of the mission's activities and of the partnership with the Central African Armed Forces, in support of the defence sector reform process and the strengthening of their institutional capabilities.

EUTM RCA, which has been operating since 2016, is a European Union military mission that contributes to the development and rendering the Central African Armed Forces professional through strategic advice, education, and military training. The mission brings together military personnel from nine participating states, six European Union member states and three partner states.

The Press Office