The European Council on Thursday extended the mandate of the EU mission to provide advice and assistance for Security Sector Reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (EUSEC RD Congo) until 30 June 2015.
This decision extends the transition period, during which the mission will have a reduced staff and will focus on preparing the transfer of most of its duties to a major programme to support defence reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo under the 11th European Development Fund.
From 30 June 2015 until 30 June 2016, EUSEC RD Congo will be preserved as a CSDP "Micro-mission", maintaining the EU's support to the Congolese military authorities for activities which cannot be supported from the European Development Fund, such as strategic advice and support to military schools.
The mission will continue assisting the Congolese authorities on the implementation of reforms in the Congolese army (FARDC).
From next month onwards, EU SEC RD Congo's strength will be reduced from from 41 to 30 personnel and will be further cut as tasks are passed on. A budget of EUR4.6 million is available until 30 June 2015.
EUSEC RD Congo has supported since 2005 the Congolese authorities in rebuilding an army that could guarantee security throughout the whole country, permitting the conditions necessary to stabilisation, restoration of state services and economic and social development.
Colonel Jean-Louis Nurenberg has been the Head of Mission since October 2012. Currently, 10 EU Member States and the United States of America contribute to the mission.
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