EUFOR/CHAD operation

On 25 September 2007, the UN Security Council voted unanimously for resolution 1778, authorizing the deployment of a multidimensional presence in eastern Chad and the northeastern part of the Central African Republic. This presence has three components:

  A multidisciplinary United Nations mission (MINURCAT - United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad), composed of police officers, military and civilian liaison officers, will be tasked with selecting and training Chadian police officers for humanitarian protection and monitoring and promotion of human rights;

  Chadian Police for Humanitarian Protection (PTPH), responsible for maintaining order and law enforcement in refugee camps;

  A European Union military presence supporting the UN’s actions.

France will be participating in the European operation in Chad and the Central African Republic and will be deployed in eastern Chad and the northeastern part of the Central African Republic. This will be fifth operation led by the EU.

The joint action, adopted by the EU Council on 15 October 2007, officially appointed Irish General Patrick Nash as commander of the operation and French General Jean-Philippe Ganascia as force commander. The OHQ, strategic staff office, located in Mont Valérien, France, was chosen and activated by the EU. The European planning process is taking its course, under the leadership of General Nash.

The missions of the European force

The mission of the European force, which will be deployed under UN mandate to eastern Chad and the northeastern part of the Central African Republic, under chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, authorizing the use of force, will be to support the UN’s actions. Its tasks will be:

  to help protect civilians in danger, in particular refugees and displaced persons;

  to facilitate the dispatch of humanitarian aid by improving safety in the operation zone;

  to help protect UN staff and infrastructures.

France’s contribution to the EUFOR Chad/CAR operation

The composition of the French contingent will be decided on following the force generation conference in which all countries participating in the operation will determine their contribution in terms of quantity and quality.

At the request of the EU, France has already activated its European OHQ, where General Nash assumed his duties last 15 October. The OHQ, strategic staff office, is a completely dedicated structure located in Mont Valérien, near Paris. For the EUFOR Chad/CAR operation, the OHQ is expected to be staffed by approximately 130 people from 18 European countries.

(Source: Defence Ministry Website)