According to the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM-MOZ) current mandate and its main goal – provide training and support to the Mozambican armed forces to protect the civilian population and restore security in the Cabo Delgado province – it is extremely important that FADM act in accordance with the rule of law and with the respect of human rights.

Given that, GNR is a police force with military status and values that is present in EUTM-MOZ through European Gendarmerie Force – EUROGENDFOR, this duality and flexibility allow GNR elements present in the mission, to perfectly fit in the military structure, and simultaneously bring added value with some knowledge, competences and perspectives that helps the approach of FADM to the local and national civilian authorities that also have an important role in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado.

To reach these aims, the Counter Terrorism Training Team performs training for Army Comandos, Navy Marines, and Air Force Tactical Air Control Party elements, in specific counter terrorism subjects that were considered essential, such as Prisoner Handling (PH) and Tactical Site Exploitation (TSE).

During PH training, FADM soldiers are able to employ approach, neutralization and detention techniques that not only minimize the risk of violence or abuse against suspects, but also preserve the safety of themselves and civilians. Principles like proportional use of force, respect for the physical and psychological integrity of suspects, and strict compliance with the legal procedures established are emphasized during the training.

On the other hand, TSE training represents an innovative approach to improve the capabilities of FADM to collect and process evidence during military operations, to avoid lost or breach chain of custody. This training aims to equip the QRF with forensic basic techniques that enable the identification, preservation and analysis of traces at crime scenes, where there aren’t security conditions to employ specialized police or forensic specialists.

These fundamental principles highlight the importance of appropriate FADM conduct with suspected and/or proven terrorists, based on respect for national and international legal regulations, the guarantee of dignified treatment for all those involved, as well as being able to contribute to the work of the judicial authorities.

In this way, the GNR plays an important role, providing essential knowledge and skills to make an integrated approach between the FADM and other security forces and services, which necessarily need to work closely together to fight this complex phenomenon of terrorism in Cabo Delgado province.