EU force in Chad prepares for tough six months ahead

THE EU force in Chad is bracing itself for a tough second half of their tour, with trouble expected from rebel groups and bandits.

The first six months has been successful, however, according to the man leading the EU’s largest mission in Africa, Lt Gen Pat Nash,

Both refugee groups and rebel groups have been impressed how the 3,700 soldiers including about 400 from Ireland have been fulfilling their mandate.

They have diffused a number of difficult situations including interposing themselves between fighting rebels and the refugee camps they have been mandated to protect.

They have also located and disposed of unexploded devices and patrolled the roads travelled by NGOs (non governmental organisations) to scare off robbers in one of the world’s poorest and most corrupt countries.

Lt Gen Nash described their achievements as impressive especially given the long delays faced as they desperately tried to find sufficient helicopters and planes to launch the mission in March in response to a UN request.

But before they could get on with protecting 250,000 Sudanese refugees and 200,000 displaced Chadians, infrastructure had to be installed, including army camps and two airports.

“It has also been quite an achievement to bring cohesion and a sense of purpose to a multinational force from 25 countries and have them working to a common mission,” Lt Gen Nash said.

But now the focus will be on the second six months and achieving as much as possible before EUFOR hands over to the UN force. “We are the bridge and must leave the best possible situation behind“, he said.