Takuba: the (definitive) yes of the Czechs
(B2) The Czech Chamber of Deputies approved today (27.10) the deployment of Czech troops in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel alongside the French
60 staff
The Czechs will come with a contingent of 60 people in the Takuba task force. As expected ! (cf. our paper dating from almost a year ago, read: Several European countries are engaged or are considering engaging in Mali (Operation Takuba).
Mali, Niger, Chad
They will mainly be deployed in Mali, but may also be present in Niger. Some officers will be at Barkhane's French headquarters in N'Djamena, Chad. A commitment planned for two years: until December 31, 2022. At least! " Good news rejoiced Czech Defense Minister Lubomir Metnar. « I appreciate the responsible approach of all those who supported the mandate of our troops. »
A little delay linked to the coup d'etat?
The Czechs took a little delay in approving this participation which had not been included in the mandate of operations for 2021 approved a few weeks ago. The situation on the ground in Mali, with an ongoing coup, worried some Czech politicians. The transition set up in Bamako with a government, partly made up of civilians, and the consent of the African Union and the European Union has made it possible to resolve the issue.
Full operational capacity of Takuba: 2021?
They will not be alone. In addition to the Estonians, loyal from the start, the Swedes and even the Italians (read: The Italians enter the Takuba task force in Mali and deploy to the Gulf of Guinea) also said Yes. But overall the operation has been delayed. Instead of a full deployment in the second half of 2020, we should rather count on such a deployment in 2021 (read: Operation Takuba is running late. 2021 rather than current 2020).
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
Just before, MEPs also approved the stay of military doctors from NATO or EU member states, who are to help the Czech Republic cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. A detachment of 300 personnel (doctors, nurses, support) will be present for a maximum of 90 days.
