BRUSSELS, 10 January 2017 / PRN Africa / -- On 10 January 2017, the Council appointed Brigadier General Herman Ruys, a Belgian national, as Commander for the EU military training mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA). He will take up his duties on 16 January 2017, taking over from Eric Hautecloque-Raysz.

The Council launched EUTM RCA on 16 July 2016. The mission contributes to the EU's comprehensive approach and security sector reform in the country. Following up an EU military advisory mission (EUMAM RCA), EUTM RCA works towards modernised, effective, inclusive and democratically accountable Central African Armed Forces (FACA). It provides strategic advice to the Central African Republic's Ministry of Defence and the general staff, as well as education to officers and non-commissioned officers, and training to the FACA. The mission is based in Bangui.

The nomination decision was taken by the Political and Security Committee.

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SOURCE European Council