EUFOR Tchad/Rca delayed or compromised?

(BRUSSELS2) Fighting in Chad intensified on January 31 between the "rebels" and the regular army, approaching the capital, N'Djamena, according to AFP. Events " directly related » the deployment in Chad of Eufor, the military force of the EU, according to Hervé Morin the French Minister of Defense (France is, on the one hand, bound by a bilateral agreement with Chad and provides, on the other hand, the majority of its resources at Eufor). Even " neutral ", estimated H. Morin, Eufor Tchad-RCA " will hinder the designs of the Chadian rebels by limiting their freedom of movement.

« Deployment may be delayed because clearly the use of the overland route to move logistics is going to be delayed said French General Jean-Philippe Ganascia during a press conference in N'Djamena. But "a few days " only. Certain air shipments of troops – Austrians, Irish – had to be temporarily suspended. The general recalled the neutrality of Eufor but also his determination. " All military means (could) be used (...) without any reserve” if there is a threat to the mission of Eufor. “There is no impact and no change to our plans confirmed to me a relative of General Pat Nash, commander of the European operation. This will have approximately 200-300 soldiers on site quickly and should reach " its initial operating capability (IOC) on March 10 as planned ».

A possible change at the head of Chad could also have a direct consequence on the mission of the EU. Since the "rebels" have repeatedly expressed their hostility to the presence of the European force, there is strong reason to fear that they will want to completely call into question the agreement signed between the European Union and the government of Idriss Deby , at least review some of the terms.

(published in Europolitics, February 2, 2008)