EU ready to mediate in Chad

2008-01-22 19:16

Abeche - The European Union is ready to help mediate between the Chadian government and rebel groups, the EU's top humanitarian official said.

Chad faces several rebellions in the east, with some insurgents saying President Idriss Deby has not provided enough support to their kinsmen in the neighbouring Darfur region of Sudan. At least 200 000 people have been killed and a further 2.5 million uprooted from their homes in Darfur since a rebellion broke out there in 2003.

The European Union has offered to send a 3 700-strong force to Chad and neighbouring Central Africa Republic, both affected by spillover of the conflict in Darfur as well as by internal unrest.

Deployment of the force has been delayed by logistical problems, but the first soldiers could be on the ground by early next month, EU officials said after a meeting earlier this month of EU military experts.

Belgium, Poland and France agreed to contribute needed helicopters and other means of air transport, meaning planning for the mission can now be completed, the officials said.

The EU force, which has been authorised by the United Nations, has headquarters outside Paris and is to be made up mostly of French troops under an Irish general's command.

Some Chadian rebel groups have threatened to attack the force and Louis Michel, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, offered to talk to them.

"The EU will not refuse to be a mediator if it is asked to do so," Michel said on Monday. "The resolution of the crisis (in eastern Chad) can never be a military one, it can only be political and for that there has to be negotiations."

Michel was to meet on Tuesday with government officials and civil society representatives.

- AP