EUTM RCA Command Handover - takeover Ceremony

 

The command handover - takeover ceremony of the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA) was successfully held on Saturday, September 28, at M’Poko Moana Camp, in Bangui. Brigadier General Cornel Tonea-Bălan handed over the command to General Nicolae-Gabriel Oros.

 

During the parade, Brigadier General Tonea-Bălan was awarded the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Service Medal by the Director of MPCC, Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, recognizing his dedicated service under the European Union flag.

In his farewell speech, Brigadier General Tonea-Bălan expressed heartfelt gratitude for the collaboration and support from the Central African Republic's government, Armed Forces, from EUDEL, EUAM and from United Nations Mission - MINUSCA throughout his command. Under his leadership, EUTM RCA provided strategic advice and educational support to the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic, contributing significantly to the reform of the nation’s defense sector.

The new Force Commander, General Nicolae-Gabriel Oros, is committed to building upon these successes and further strengthening the mission's activities, ensuring that EUTM RCA continues to stand as a model of international commitment and cooperation.

High-ranking officials attended the event, including Prime Minister of the Central African Republic, Mr. Felix Moloua, His Excellency the EU Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Mr. Escalona Paturel Diego, Chief of Defence Staff, General Zéphirin Mamadou, the European Union’s Director of Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, MINUSCA Force Commander, Lieutenant General Humphrey Nyone, MINUSCA Deputy Force Commander, Major General Luiz Manuel Ricardo Monsanto, Chief of Security Sector Reform, Madame Carole Baudoin, as well as other military and civilian personalities.

This event marked an important milestone in continuing the mission’s support for the reform and development of the Central African Republic’s defense capabilities.