Netherlands could join Central African Republic mission

The Netherlands is likely to join a new European mission in the Central African Republic (CAR). The government is prepared to make a few staff officers available for the military mission EUMAM CAR, if requested.

A spokesperson for Minister Bert Koenders of Foreign affairs stated that this is a continuation of the current policy. The handful of Dutch staff officers who are available, if necessary, for the current mission in the CAR, could also be made available for the new mission.

The ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union gave the green light for the mission yesterday in Brussels. EUMAM is intended to assist in the reform of the armed forces in the violence-stricken country. After March 15th EUMAM will become the successor to the European peacekeeping mission EUFOR RCA, for which the Netherlands provides three staff officers.

The mission will consist of a maximum of 60 people and is intended to last for one year from the time that the preparations have been completed. The costs are estimated at 7.9 million euros. The headquarters is in the capital city Bangui.