EU to train soldiers CAR

brussels - The army of the Central African Republic is trained by the European Union over the next two years. Defence ministers Tuesday gave the green light for the mission. Because the Netherlands already participating in many missions, no Dutch trainers are sent.

The aim of the new mission called EUTM CAR is to contribute to the reform and modernization of the armed forces in the impoverished and violence-stricken country. The coaches operate from the capital, Bangui, and also provide strategic advice,, '' to the Ministry of Defence.

The training mission builds on the work of an EU advisory mission to which the Netherlands provides two soldiers. In that mission, which runs until July 16, is working closely with the stabilization mission of the United Nations.

Beginning in 2014, the EU already put around 750 soldiers for a year after the government was overthrown by rebels. Before that were about six thousand African and two thousand French soldiers in the country.