Story of Georgia 8: the main challenges of the EUMM mission

(B2) At the end of this report, we can see what obstacles, what challenges, is confronted and above all may be confronted tomorrow the mission of European observers in Georgia, "EUMM Georgia".

1. The issue of visibility.

This is one of the primary concerns of observers. In the absence of all having the same uniform – the preconstituted units (police, gendarmes, carabinieri) keep their national uniform – it was decided that any observer would have a blue chasuble and a blue beret, as well as an armband, that they put on as soon as they are on a mission - or at least when approaching a checkpoint or civilian personnel… Khaki has normally been prescribed, to avoid any confusion. In order to identify the vehicles of EUMM Georgia, blue stickers have been stuck on each side, and fluorescent blue and yellow bands, as well as a flag on an illuminated mast, have appeared in order to avoid any misunderstanding. A necessity ! The patrols circulate day and night, 7 days a week. And when night falls or in halftone, it is a question of avoiding any misunderstanding. What is not obvious!

European vehicles are indeed very dissimilar. Between the Italian Hummer returned from Afghanistan, the classic German Mercedes, and the French Panhards, there is a heterogeneous assembly of equipment, both difficult to maintain at the logistical level (go find a Panhard tire here, says a technician...). But above all that does not facilitate visibility on the ground. Colors, different formats, do not facilitate the work. And I would even say is dangerous for observers. Admittedly, vehicles in military color were repainted on arrival, like the Italian vehicles which went from the Iraq sand version to white. Similarly, the vehicles used by the French gendarmes were repainted in blue before departure, the usual color of the gendarmerie. But there are still a few armored vehicles – in khaki – the Polish AMZs in particular.

Dilemma: have a peaceful approach or protect the observers. Moreover, they are not adapted to the character of the mission. One has the impression to see them that there is an operation of
important policing. Even if the equipment is neutralized. Fully armored vehicles or vehicles equipped with tear gas grenade launchers are a little too “offensive”. At the same time, it must be recognized, the danger is not absent. And it is difficult to put observers in light vehicles that are not armored.

2. the challenge of accessibility.

Georgia is largely a country of mountains. The northern part of Abkhazia and Ossetia are bordered by mountains from 2000 to 4000 meters. Unreachable in normal times. Even today, observers recognize this. The helicopter could be a solution (the mission does not have one – except for medical evacuations where it uses a private company). But it faces a serious security risk. "I wouldn't want to wander too much in the air near the border" explains an observer yet accustomed to high-risk missions. Admittedly, apart from a few drones (some of which were shot down), air activity is effectively limited near the border.

3. The communication slalom.

Communication is an important axis, not to show off the mission, but a condition for the smooth running of the operation. This is primarily due to the very context of the war in Georgia. Indeed, in addition to the human and material damage, this war was also media, and still is. Just on the extent of the human losses, there is still censorship and propaganda plays on both sides. Even more so since the ceasefire because it is now a question of examining the consequences of the war, and determining the responsibilities. In this, EUMM is more like an interposition mission than a classic interposition mission. Especially since the expectations of the population are very high. With the risk of being disappointed. Observers are expected to bring back calm and tranquility, to speak out on such and such an incident, to let the truth be known. Even if it is not quite within their means, nor within their skills. Additional confusion, the presence of several international organizations, representing the European continent and the international community (OSCE, UN, Council of Europe...), responsible for
different missions: observation (EU, OSCE, UN), humanitarian (WFP, UNHCR, EC...). This adds to the confusion, especially since some have very equivalent acronyms (with the dominant blue), or even the same (Council of Europe, EU). In short, a real operational challenge.

4. The question of organization.

You don't have to hide. This mission has a very strong “military” or at least “civil security” characteristic. And the attitudes of the observers are very military or police. It is only to see the many prohibitions of communication. Fortunately, in a certain sense. To refuse to see him is, in my opinion, detrimental to the effectiveness of the mission. Because it is a mission that also takes place in a risky context.

5. Mission management

Installed in record time, the EU had to act very quickly. Thus, for lack of a canteen or even a cafeteria, it was the cleaning lady who acted as canteen for the first few weeks and the EUMM badges were designed internally and... "hand-sewn" by her husband. Now we have to put everything in order, according to the usual EU rules. Because this mission remains subject to most of the rules in use, in particular for public procurement. The management of means that arrived very quickly but which are dissimilar is also necessary. The whole thing represents a task that is certainly discreet but which is undoubtedly a major administrative challenge for the smooth running of the mission.

(NGV)