Overseas Operations - EU mission to Chad & CAR
From 21 February 2008, the Defence Forces troop contribution to the UN mandated, EU-led peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) commenced. Known as EUFOR Chad/CAR the current strength of the mission is currently 3,247; with 14 nations operating on the ground, 18 nations in the Force HQ and 22 nations in the Operational HQ. The Initial Entry Force consisted of Special Forces troops from Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland and Sweden.
1/10/2008 - General Nash (EUFOR) Reviews Mission to Protect Refugees in Darfur
Overall command of the mission is rested with the Operational HQ in Paris, under Lieutenant General Pat Nash. He was appointed by EU Joint Action on 15 October, following Government approval on 02 October 2007. He exercises control of the eventual 3,700 strong mission on the ground through a Force HQ under French Brigadier General Jean Philippe Ganacia and his Irish Deputy, Colonel Mick Gannon.
This mission is mandated under UN Security Council Resolution 1778 (25 September 2007), to operate in eastern Chad and work in conjunction with the civilian UN mission in the region (known as MINURCAT). The military force is authorised to protect refugees, internally displaced persons (IDP’s), humanitarian organisations and civilians in danger. This force will create a safe and secure environment whereby humanitarian aid can be delivered safely and the local population can go about their daily lives safely.
The Central African Republic and Chad rank seventh and eighth worst in the world in terms of life expectancy, adult literacy, education, per capita income and overall human health.
The imposition of thousands of refugees fleeing persecution from neighbouring Darfur, ongoing internal strife and the effects of increasing desertification constitute a real crisis in the region. In addition, within Chad there have been multiple clashes between Government and rebel forces.
The Defence Forces have been authorised by Government to deploy for a 12 month period. The commitment started with HQ staff and Initial Entry Force. On 24 April 2008, the 147 strong Advance party deployed to Chad to commence building the basic infrastructure for Camp Ciara that the Irish battalion operate from in Goz Beida in south eastern Chad.
The 97th Infantry Battalion deployed to the mission on 19 May and 02 June and was the first Irish Battalion to become operational in Camp Ciara and commenced patrolling within its large area of operations along the Chad/Sudan border in eastern Chad. There was a large logistical operation to deploy the 3,700 tonnes of equipment (including over 100 vehicles) in order to allow the unit to establish and be self sufficient in its camp.
On the 8th of Oct 2008 the 97th Infantry Battalion finished it's tour of duty and was relieved by the 98th Infantry Battalion. It is now the 99th Infantary Battallion who are in place and it is this unit that will changeover to the United Nations mission MINURCAT. They have now taken over the mantle and challenges associated with our deployment with EUFOR Chad/CAR. In addition to the Irish in Camp Ciara there are also 60 Dutch Marines operating as a reconnaissance platoon with Irish troops.
On the 15th of March the EUFor TChad/Car mission will handover to United Nations Mission in Chad and Car (MINURCAT). The 400 Irish troops of the 99th Infantary Battallin will don the famous blue beret of the United Nations and will come under direct control of the MINURCAT Force Commander and his deputy Brig Gen Gerald Aherne of the Irish Defence Forces.
The EUFor TChad/Car mission was always intended to be a bridging mission whilst the force generation took place for MINURCAT. The handover takes place following the UN Security Council resolution 1861 of 14 January 2009, which authorised the deployment of the MINURCAT military component to follow up EUFor in Chad and CAR at the end of its mandate.
A selection of Photographs from Chad, courtesy of Finbar O'Reilly - Reuters >>
Contact with troops in Camp Ciara:
Soldiers in Camp Ciara can telephone Ireland using our 'Home Connect' service. Call cards are used to make calls for the price of a local call here at home. Internet access is also available in camp.
Soldiers may also purchase Chadian mobile phones at their own expense, however coverage is generally only available when troops are in camp. Coverage is not nationwide, therefore, if troops are on patrol they will not have mobile coverage.
Letter post is available through the following address (Parcel post is NOT recommended):
- Service Number / Rank / Name,
- NSE Ireland EUFOR tCHAD/RCA,
- Camp Europa (EUFOR),
- N'Djamena
- TChad.
| Duration | February 2008 - today |
|---|---|
| Operation type | UN Mandated EU led Peace Enforcement Operation |
| Commitment | 411 |