When the going gets tough

The army is about to embark on one of the UN’s most difficult missions, writes Sean O’Riordan.

THE Army is making preparations for one of the most challenging missions it will ever undertake — protecting hundreds of thousands of refugees from marauding insurgents and vicious bands of Janjaweed.

The notorious militia have killed and raped untold numbers of innocent people with unprecedented ferocity.

The 396-strong 98th Infantry Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Kieran Brennan, is preparing to fly out to the south-eastern corner of Chad on an EU mission on September 21.

Their job will be to protect and help feed some of the 239,700 refugees who have fled neighbouring Sudan, following ethic cleansing by the Janjaweed.

In addition, the fear of that infamous militia has displaced a further 180,000 Chadeans from their own side of the Chad/Sudan border.

The last time the Janjaweed carried out a raid in Chad was on June 14 last. Since then, they have been quiet but that is likely to change.

Lt Col Brennan explained at a briefing yesterday in Stephen’s Barrack, Kilkenny, that the monsoon season had made roads virtually impassable in Chad for the last few months.

This is coming to an end and with it comes the prospect that the Janjaweed could infiltrate Chad, a country more than twice the size of France but with a population of only nine million.

“Most rebel activity occurs from October to June, because the roads have dried up and the harvest is coming in,” the officer said.

Lt Col Brennan will command a total force of 491, which will include a contingent of Dutch marines, some French, Austrians and Ukrainians.

The Ukrainians will fly two helicopters which will be used by his contingent for short and long-range patrols of the region.

The Irish troops shipping out are drawn mainly from Collins Barrack, Cork; Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick; Stephen’s Barracks, Kilkenny and Kickham Barracks, Clonmel.

Three-quarters of them have previous overseas experience, and 20 of the force are women.

They will have to acclimatise to temperatures in excess of 50 degrees.

The 98th Battalion will have two refugee camps directly under their protection, housing 35,000 Sudanese men, women and children.

They will also have responsibility for an estimated 100,000 displaced Chadeans.

“Protecting civilians in danger is very important, as is facilitating the safe delivery of humanitarian aid,” the Lt Col said.

Members of the Air Corps will also be deployed on the mission for the first time.

During the next two weeks, the troops will undergo intensive “mission readiness exercises” at the Glen of Imaal.

Army press officer, Comdt Fergal Purcell, said Irish troops will not initiate any attacks but if they came under fire “they won’t be found wanting”.

If the going gets really tough, however, the troops have the option of calling in two French Mirage attack jets.