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| Africa Horn |
| Blue Helmets Take Over From Euro Force in Chad, CAR |
| 2009-03-16 |
| United Nations peacekeepers in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) today took over the military and security responsibilities of European forces in the two strife-torn nations. Today's transfer, which took place at midnight local time, was marked by a ceremony in the Chadian city of Abéché where MINURCAT's headquarters are located. In January, the Security Council approved the deployment of over 5,500 blue helmets -- 300 police officers, 25 military liaison officers and 5,200 military personnel -- with the UN mission (MINURCAT) to replace the European troops (EUFOR), which has been in place since March 2008. "As MINURCAT assumes its new responsibilities, the Secretary-General is confident that the force will build upon and strengthen EUFOR's military achievements while continuing to execute the full range of its mandated tasks, including to contribute to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law and to support the development of the Chadian community police (Détachement Intégré de Sécurité) deployed in eastern Chad," the statement added. Eastern Chad faces an acute humanitarian challenge with over 290,000 Sudanese refugees from the Darfur war, more than 180,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and a further 700,000 individuals among host communities in need of food, water and health care. Northern CAR has also been affected by a spill-over from the Darfur conflict as well as by other armed groups. Currently, the Mission is composed of some 300 uniformed personnel, mostly police, plus some 325 international civilians. "In order to succeed, MINURCAT will need the active support of the Governments of Chad and the Central African Republic," the Secretary-General said, adding that he is grateful to both Governments for "their cooperation during the transition period and looks forward to working with them in the implementation of MINURCAT's mandate." |
| Posted by:Steve White |