When renewed fighting broke out in the Congo in May 2003 following the departure of Ugandan troops from Ituri province, a security vacuum was created that the MONUC mission was unable to fill.

As an immediate response United Nations Security Council Resolution 1484 was passed, authorising the establishment of an interim emergency multinational force (IEMF) to stabilise the situation pending the reinforcement of the MONUC mission.

The IEMF was sub-contracted to the EU, becoming the first autonomous EU military mission to operate outside Europe. The mission, codenamed Operation 'Artemis', was established in accordance with the EU 'Framework Nation' concept, with France taking on the role of lead nation.
Beginning to deploy in June the mission reached its full strength of 1,400 troops by July 6th. Operation 'Artemis' was confined to the town of Bunia, the capital of Ituri province and succeeded in stabilising the area. The mission completed its mandate on time and handed over to MONUC's Ituri Brigade on September 1st.

The Defence Forces provided two staff officers at HQ level to Operation 'Artemis'

Operation Details

Duration	June 2003 - September 2003
Operation Type	EU led crisis management Operation
Committment	2 Cumulative missions