Brussels, 20/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 20 January, the foreign affairs ministers of the EU made the decision in principle to launch a military operation in the Central African Republic. “The operation will provide temporary support, for a period of up to 6 months, to help to achieve a secure environment in the Bangui region, with a view to handing over to the AU”, read the conclusions adopted. The deployment of this new mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) may begin in February.
The prospect of an EU military operation in CAR is starting to become a reality, even though its fate still depends on a United Nations mandate - an issue which will be dealt with in New York on Wednesday 23 January, and on a new agreement at the Council, which will constitute the final green light for the deployment of European soldiers. Today, the Council adopted the concept of crisis management. The mission will be limited to the “Bangui region”, with the aim of contributing to “international and regional efforts to protect the populations most at risk and (…) to the free movement of civilians. All these efforts will create the conditions that are required in order to provide humanitarian aid for those who need it”. The Council “asked the competent bodies to prepare the necessary measures in order rapidly to establish this operation”, which means accelerated planning and the forthcoming appointment of the command for the operation. The Council has identified the operational headquarters (OHQ) of Larissa, in Greece, as the planning authority.
The conclusions do not specify the staffing levels of the mission, but the French minister, Laurent Fabius, stated after the Council that the “figure which has been discussed is 500” European soldiers. With the exception of Estonia (see EUROPE 10998), no countries have made any formal promises, as most member states have expressed the need now to consult their parliaments. This is what the Lithuanian and Swedish ministers, amongst others, said, whereas others need thinking time, as stated by the Slovenian, Finnish and Austrian ministers. Belgium may also contribute by sending para-commandos and Germany may provide the mission with logistical support. (JK/transl.fl)