Task force Takuba: the oblivion of the Czech Republic. A French blunder?

(B2 - exclusive) The solemn declaration setting up the Takuba task force published at the end of March by Florence Parly, the French Minister for the Armed Forces, in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, committed a (small) blunder: the participation of the Czechs

It is not very serious in itself. This did not arouse high diplomatic cries. But it is embarrassing for a country that shows itself to be a 'good student' of the European class in terms of commitment to the Sahel and solidarity.

Czech goodwill

The government of Prague, with that of Tallinn (Estonia), had however been one of the first to indicate its willingness to participate in this action of the special forces, complement to Operation Barkhane, in Liptako-Gourma, at the confluence of the three borders (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso). This from November 2019! (read : Several European countries are engaged or are considering engaging in Mali Operation Takuba). And this contribution has not been forfeited, contrary to certain promises (such as that of Norway).

A notable contribution awaiting parliamentary approval

The Czech Defense Minister, Lubomír Metnar, had thus confirmed, during the meeting held by video-conference of the European intervention initiative, on March 27, “ the approval of the proposal to send Czech troops to Task Force Takuba by the Government of the Czech Republic ". Only reservation, just like the Swedes, the Czech participation remains subject to a necessary formality: the consent of the national elected representatives.

The desire to stabilize the Sahelian region

It is necessary " reverse the current negative developments and remove the causes of instability in Mali and the Sahel by adopting strong measures in a unified manner added Prague thus joining the text of the final declaration.

An already strong presence in Bamako

Note that Mali is not a total novelty for the Czechs. Their forces have provided, almost from the start, the 'force protection' of the EU's European training mission (EUTM Mali), at the headquarters in Bamako in particular, or during ViP escorts. With efficiency, firmness... while keeping a smile. And they will take command of the mission taking over from the Portuguese in the second half of the year (read: The Czechs will take command of the EUTM Mali mission).

Commentary: a just return of things

It is surprising to see Sweden mentioned (which is more of a dragger when it comes to European defence) and not the Czech Republic, which are at the same point of progress (read: The Takuba task force is created. A statement signed at eleven. Some engage more).

It is surprising that, several days later, when this oversight is known, no modification has been made. If it had been the United Kingdom or Germany, the correction would have been made within the hour, with a press release sent to all the press.

An inexplicable oversight, especially since the government in Prague is led by a member of the European Liberals and Democrats, just like Emmanuel Macron. Or the explanation is political: it is perhaps estimated that the promiscuity with a certain Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister with a fiery temperament, closer in spirit to Viktor Orban, is a task.

We often denounce the lack of solidarity of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in terms of defense and their excessive Atlanticism. This is sometimes true, sometimes not. The European spirit of these countries is often forgotten (cf. box 1), particularly in France, where commentators love to point the finger at these 'villains' of the East who are not united rather than to congratulate them. We have to restore a certain balance.

Instead of constantly vilifying, we should rather inspire ourselves. What is being done today in Eastern countries is not stupid: the rapid reaction of local authorities in the fight against Covid-19 has undoubtedly avoided some damage (see box 2). Let's put aside our braggadocio — like 'we are the best' (for health, the political system, defence, etc.) — let's listen more to other Europeans and learn from their experience.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

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1. A certain European solidarity, three examples

In terms of equipment, while several Eastern European countries buy mostly US equipment (for example Poland or Romania), one of them stands out in particular, Viktor's Hungary Orban (Fidesz/Christian Democrats) who regularly buys 'European' (read: Hungary shops at Airbus and KMW). For Operation Irini, the first country to have announced a real public contribution... is the Poland of Andrej Duda (Pis/Conservatives) (read: EUNAVFOR Med Irini operation without ships, for now. Force generation continues). And the Romania of Ludovic Orban (PNL/Liberal-centrists) is one of the only European countries to have agreed to send (these days) a team of 11 doctors and nurses to northern Italy as reinforcements in the fight against the coronavirus (read here). The reality is therefore more contrasted than we would like to say.

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2. The example comes from the East  

We can note the extreme promptness of Czech reaction in the fight against the coronavirus with the closing of the borders (which everyone then did), massive purchase of masks and recourse to the army (read: Prague organizes an airlift to repatriate masks and respirators from China). While France hums to the sound of war (see Emmanuel Macron's speech) but still dithers on the massive use of masks and the use of the army, the Czech Republic does not hesitate to trigger an airlift . Result: the first Antonov-type jumbo jet landed in Prague on March 23. It will take exactly one week (March 30) to have the same effect in Paris! This while the coronavirus crisis is stronger in France than in the Czech Republic. If the government of Edouard Philippe had been faster, a few additional lives could undoubtedly have been saved (especially on the side of the nursing staff).