Third shift of Balearic soldiers leaves for the Central African Republic and seventh contingent to Mali returns to Badajoz

The Balearic contingent during the parade (Photo: COMGEBAL)

Welcome at the ‘General Menacho’ base in Bótoa (Photo: BRIMZ XI)

The third shift of soldiers from Balearic Islands General Command to leave for the Central African Republic held a farewell ceremony on 29 April at the ‘Jaime II’ garrison in Palma de Mallorca.

The members of the new contingent, the bulk of whom from the 47th Regiment ‘Palma’, will relieve their colleagues from the second contingent, which has been in the Central African Republic since November. They are taking part in the European Union mission to the country, which began in May 2015. Their main aim is to protect, to escort and to support the team of military advisors sent by the Spanish government.

The Balearic unit was congratulated by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, for organising the successful evacuation of 20 people – diplomats, aid workers and entrepreneurs – from the EU delegation in the country when rival militias engaged in fighting in the vicinity.

Return of the Spanish contingent EUTM Mali-VII

The last flight carrying troops from the seventh Spanish contingent deployed as part of the European Union Training Mission in Mali arrived at Badajoz airport from the Malian capital, Bamako, on 2 May.

The soldiers were welcomed by relatives, friends and colleagues and by General Dacoba, commander of the 11th Brigade ‘Extremadura’, who congratulated them on the success of their mission in the African country. Subsequently an official ceremony to mark the dissolution of the contingent was held at the ‘General Menacho’ base, headquarters of the Brigade, characterised by emotional intensity and the happiness of reunions.