The European Peace Facility (EPF) Assistance Measure has provided the Mozambican Armed Forces with EUR 85 million worth of equipment to aid in addressing the crisis in the northern Cabo Delgado province, according to a press statement released on Thursday March 20.
This support is part of the European Union’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Mozambique’s military capabilities and restore security in the region, which has been plagued by insurgency and violence.
The equipment provided under the EPF package has bolstered eleven military units trained by the EU military training mission in Mozambique (EUTM Mozambique). These units have been equipped with essential non-lethal items, including ballistic helmets, vests, camouflage nets, campaign tents, generators, boats, ambulances, drones, and even a field hospital. These units, which form the core of Mozambique’s Quick Reaction Forces, are tasked with countering the insurgency in Cabo Delgado and protecting the local civilian population.
The EU’s financial support began with an urgent EUR 4 million assistance measure in July 2021, followed by a EUR 40 million package in November 2021, which supported five military units. By April 2022, this support grew with an additional EUR 45 million to address the needs of all eleven units trained by the EUTM Mozambique. Moreover, an additional EUR 15 million EPF action was directed towards the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), complementing the overall mission. As SAMIM withdrew from Mozambique in July 2024, all equipment was transferred to the Mozambican Armed Forces, marking the completion of the EPF assistance for the mission.