Sangaris. A welcome Belgian contribution

(BRUSSELS2) The Belgian government confirmed, Friday (December 13), its agreement for participation in Operation Sangaris led by the French army in the Central African Republic. Participation in the form of air support (as B2 had announced exclusively, read: European aircraft as reinforcements for Operation Sangaris) which is not negligible. (Maj) An agreement ratified by the Council of Ministers on Thursday (December 19).

Airbus A330 and Hercules C130

Belgium will, in fact, provide four rotations of Airbus A-330 between the end of December 2013 and the end of January 2014, to transport personnel and equipment from France to neighboring countries of the Central African Republic and to the capital Bangui. It will also and above all make available to Operation Sangaris and MISCA (the African mission), a Hercules C-130 from Libreville (Gabon), from the end of January 2014. The aircraft will serve as a link between Libreville ( Gabon) towards Bangui (Central African Rep.) but also within the Central African Republic from Bangui.

A very useful contribution when we know the exhaustion of French tactical aircraft (Transall), the French air command being forced to use Casa (smaller scale and less payload). The Belgian commitment will have an initial duration of 2 months but can be extended by one month, until the end of April 2014. A detachment of 35 soldiers will be provided on site. A liaison officer will also be sent to the air operations center in Lyon.

Belgium is thus the first country to get involved directly on the ground. For a “small” country, the effort reveals a notable political commitment. On the French side, we emphasize that the Belgian commitment in Mali was also very appreciated. The Belgians gave a big helping hand” reminded a soldier at B2.

> DetailsBelgian OPEX commitment for 2014 on the club

> Download the cpress release of the Council of Ministers (December 19)