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Portugal strengthens Mozambique’s defence with expanded military training mission

From Maputo’s cathedral to frontline briefings, Portugal’s top general reviews progress in a high-stakes EU mission. Can training turn the tide against insurgents?

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text...
In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

Portugal strengthens Mozambique’s defence with expanded military training mission

Portugal has stepped up its military support in Mozambique to help combat insurgent threats. General José Nunes da Fonseca, head of the Portuguese Armed Forces, recently visited the country to review the progress of ongoing training missions. His trip comes as part of a broader European effort to strengthen Mozambique’s defence capabilities.

General Nunes da Fonseca met with Portuguese troops deployed in Mozambique, where he received updates on their training programmes. The visit included an operational briefing on the advancements made by local forces under Portuguese guidance. A religious service at Maputo’s Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception also marked the occasion, underscoring the long-standing military ties between the two nations.

Portuguese personnel are currently training rapid response units in Mozambique to improve their ability to counter insurgencies. This effort falls under the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM MOZ), a non-combat mission set to run until June 2026. The mission includes 83 military and civilian staff from 12 countries, with 44 of them being Portuguese. Commodore César Pires Correia, a Portuguese Navy officer, leads the EUMAM MOZ mission. Official reports from 2025 confirm his role in overseeing training activities and coordinating visits in Mozambique.

The increased Portuguese military presence aims to bolster Mozambique’s fight against insurgent groups. With training programmes underway and a structured EU mission in place, local forces are expected to gain stronger operational skills. The collaboration reflects ongoing security cooperation between Portugal, Mozambique, and the wider European Union.

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