Central African Republic. Is a European initiative possible? (Shift)

(BRUSSELS2, exclusive) Preparations for a military mission in the Central African Republic (CAR), to support MISCA, are accelerating at all levels. In Brussels as in Paris or New York (where the Security Council will meet on Monday), a military interposition intervention is necessary in the face of the skid of the situation. The Security Council is meeting on Monday to take a decision based on Ban Ki Moon's report (Ban Ki Moon's 5 options for the Central African Republic)

Feeling of urgency, on the European side?

On the European side, without using the term "pre-genocide", we emphasize that there is urgency. " It is now necessary to act without delay to prevent the situation from degenerating further.. The conditions are indeed met for the situation to spiral out of control and turn into a civil war. clarified a spokesperson for Catherine Ashton, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs in response to a question from B2 (*).

Funding of MISCA

The European Union reiterates its desire to support the deployment of MISCA, first of all financially and in the planning of the mission. " The EU has already agreed in principle to support MISCA financially. We are working closely with the African Union to define MISCA's funding needs and how a contribution from the African Peace Facility could fit into the mission's budget. ". According to our information, the European contribution could be 50 million euros (to be added to the American contribution and the French contribution in logistics).

The option of a battlegroup considered

The crisis management structures are preparing other European initiatives to support the rapid deployment of the African force. " The EU is actively exploring options to deepen its action in support of stabilization and the continuation of the political process in the CAR, in close coordination with initiatives taken by other partners” confirms the spokesperson. The option of deploying a battlegroup is considered " cautiously ».

In London to play

Dedicated to this type of function, this battle group under British command, with Dutch and Baltic elements, could be deployed outside Bangui, in addition to the French action, and not under its direction. It is still necessary that London and the main interested parties agree and that the "27" then give the green light. It will be a real test for the Europe of defence.

Logistic needs

Several countries have also been "surveyed" by Paris, according to our information, to find out what support they could provide. Support mainly in equipment, logistical elements, transport planes, tankers, radio communications but not in men, according to sources at the French Ministry of Defense... The objective is to avoid repeating the situation of the operation Serval in Mali, where France seemed somewhat alone on the ground for a few weeks. The transport logistics power of EATC in Eindhoven (which brings together the Benelux and Germany) could also be put to use.

Some governments are aware of the seriousness of the events. In Rome, for example, during the Franco-Italian summit, the leaders of the peninsula " encourage (the European Union) to strengthen its involvement (in CAR) ". If we find the European "summa division" between gazes turned towards the east on one side, towards the south on the other, what happened in Mali served as a warning. And the European capitals could very quickly bring their support to France if it intervenes in support of the African force or the UN.

France as a vanguard

France says it is ready to do everything to support the African force being deployed and provide it with the international support it needs. With 450 men already on site, several options are open to Defense Minister Jean-Yves Drian. Sending 700-1400 additional soldiers seems possible. From Guinea, where he was traveling, the French president confirmed, on Thursday, his desire " to increase significantly » the number of soldiers deployed in CAR. Men from the Parachute Commando Group of the 11th Parachute Brigade have already been sent to Bangui (according to our colleagues from La Croix) to prepare for the arrival of additional French troops in the CAR and their deployment in the country.

Americans in support

Concern is also present on the other side of the Atlantic. In a statement issued last night, John Kerry, the US Secretary of State announced the dispatch of assistance to MISCA, " to help protect civilians and provide security across the country ". We are talking about " logistical support, shipment of non-lethal material, training and planning assistance ". That is an amount of $40 million in aid to MISCA. The situation is out of state control.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde with Leonor Hubaut)

(*) Asked Thursday noon on the European position in relation to the recent French and American declarations qualifying the Central African situation as pre-genocidal, 24 hours were necessary to have an answer, the High Representative of the EU being concentrated by the negotiations on Iranian nuclear in Geneva.

(Shift) Option present contrary to what we had mentioned in a first version

Read also on the CLUB:

• Central African Republic: what the European Union can and will do
• The maintenance of peace in the Central African Republic, a new resolution at the UN. First details

On Brussels2.eu:

• In the Central African Republic, significant urgency, discreet lobbying, sustained action
• Central African Republic: Europe ready to support MISCA
• Call by the EU to avoid the use of force in the Central African Republic and for dialogue
• The peace mission in the Central African Republic receives 14 million euros