The Portuguese soldiers went on their first mission under the command of MINUSCA in Bambari last week to combat armed groups in the region which Commander Balla Keita said had suffered “heavy casualties” at the hands of the Portuguese.

Praising the Portuguese force, disclosed by the defence ministry, asked for the international force to keep up their efforts since the situation in the region still required “further dedication” from the multinational force.

The first Portuguese contingent sent to CAR in part of a peace force that the UN has had there since January this year and is composed on 160 soldiers, including 111 commandos and 11 local army officers.

The UN has sent some 12,000 personnel to CAR to try and restore stability after the conflicts in 2013 following the overthrow of the president at the time, François Bozizé, by Seleka rebels.