"It's always a risk, but the professionals who are leaving for the Central African Republic today are prepared and have a situation that is more favourable. Our analysis [shows] that the situation should continue towards stabilisation, but they are prepared for the worst," said João Gomes Cravinho, who was speaking to journalists in Lisbon at the farewell ceremony of the 6th National Deployment Force (NDF) that is leaving for the Central African Republic.

In total, there are 135 members of this NDF who will leave for the CAR, with a return scheduled for March, joining the 44 Portuguese soldiers who are already on the ground.

Among the contingent are 177 army personnel and three air force personnel. This group includes 11 women.

João Gomes Cravinho expressed his confidence in the preparation of the Portuguese personnel, who are "in a position to carry out their mission in full".

"The importance is decisive. In that country we have a peace agreement [...] and what is now at stake is the continuity of that work," he concluded.

Captain Correia is in charge of the contingent and he explained that these soldiers are ready to intervene in any situation, such as the control of riots.

"It is a very volatile theatre and we are prepared for that. Fortunately, [the scenario] has been calmer, but we are prepared for the worst," he said.

Lieutenant and doctor Joana Ramalho, one of the 11 women in the group, was enthusiastic about the new challenge.

"Being a woman is a factor, I will not deny it, [...] however, we are an asset to the group. It is difficult to be separated from the family for six months, but I'm confident. I will have new challenges and it will be good professionally speaking", she added.

The 5th NDF will return to Portugal today, after finishing the mission they started on 11 March.