On 28 January 2008, the EU decided to launch a bridging military operation in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) (operation "EUFOR Tchad/RCA") in accordance with the mandate set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007). This operation comes within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
In deciding to conduct this operation the EU is stepping up its longstanding action in support of efforts to tackle the crisis in Darfur as part of a regional approach to that crisis.
This operation will be conducted with the agreement of the Chadian and Central African governments.
In its resolution 1778 of 25 September 2007, the UN Security Council approved the establishment of a UN Mission in Chad and the Central African Republic (MINURCAT) and authorised the EU to deploy forces in these countries for a period of 12 months from the declaration of Initial Operating Capability.
EUFOR Tchad/RCA will be a bridging operation which will closely coordinate with the multidimensional United Nations presence in the East of Chad and in the North-East of the CAR in order to improve security in those regions. More specifically, the EU operation will have the following objectives:
- To contribute to protecting civilians in danger, particularly refugees and displaced persons;
- To facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the free movement of humanitarian personnel by helping to improve security in the area of operations;
- To contribute to protecting UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment and to ensuring the security and freedom of movement of its staff and UN and associated personnel.
EUFOR Tchad/RCA will be a demanding operation in particular with respect to the situation on the ground, the vast area to be covered and the logistical constraints.
The EU operation will include around 3,700 troops. It is the most multinational military operation conducted in Africa by the EU so far:
- 14 EU Member States will be present in the field (Chad/CAR);
- 21 EU Member States are present at the Operations Headquarters (OHQ)