EUFOR Rca: a decisive Friday?

(BRUSSELS2) Spirits are moderately optimistic, on the European side, to complete the first staff of the EUFOR Rca operation. " You will know more tomorrow says a senior officer to me who, however, shows a more decided optimism than a few days ago. Several countries have given positive indications regarding the possible engagement of different forces (logistics, medical support, transport).

Starting with the Belgium. A select council of ministers (Kern) should thus meet tomorrow, as indicated by my college in Belga (generally well informed *). The question of financing remains important (the Ministry of Defense not wanting to bear the cost of the operation). A Belgian official consulted by B2 refused, however, to move forward in the direction of a positive commitment. “All the parties in the coalition must agree”. But Brussels should be there for the Central African Republic. In addition to Belgium, several other countries were consulted - notablySpain and Italy - as a diplomat assured B2.

Finally, according to the information gathered by B2, a non-EU country was approached: the Montenegro could thus take part in the European operation. This would be a first in Africa for the small Balkan country. In absolute terms, there is no lack of a large workforce – only a good hundred people –. The manpower to be assembled is that necessary for the launch of the operation (the initial operational capability IOC). « If the force generation succeeds, tomorrow there will probably be other meetings » an officer told us.