Georgian soldiers return home from Central African Republic

About 20 Georgian soldiers who defended international peace and security in the Central African Republic returned home to Georgia late last night.

The soldiers of the 23rd Battalion of the II Infantry Brigade were welcomed by their family members and friends as well as by Georgian military officials.

Georgian soldiers return home from the Central African Republic. Photo: MOD of Georgia.

The soldiers who participated in the European Union military training mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA) were also met by Defence Attaché of France to Georgia, Olivier Madiot. He stressed the professionalism of the Georgian servicemen and confirmed the support of France for Georgia.

The soldiers of the 23rd Battalion of the II Infantry Brigade had been participating in the French-led EU-mandated peacekeeping mission in the troubled Central African Republic for the past six months. The Battalion was now replaced by the 21st Battalion of the same Brigade.

Georgia agreed to contribute to the EU peace mission in the Central African Republic in 2014. Photo: MOD of Georgia.

The European Council approved the establishment of the EUTM RCA mission to contribute to the country’s defence sector reform in April of 2016. The mission is based in Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic and work towards a modernised, effective, inclusive and democratically accountable Central African Armed Forces (FACA).

Georgia agreed to participate in this mission in 2014. Initially, the country sent five servicemen to the Central African Republic before increasing its contribution to 20 soldiers later.