Larissa, 15/05/2014 (Agence Europe) - The gradual deployment of the EU operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR CAR) has been accompanied by the initial signs of a stabilisation of the situation in Bangui, according to its commander, General Philippe Pontiès, whom EUROPE was able to meet along with several other journalists, on Tuesday 13 May, in Larissa (Greece), where the operational headquarters (OHQ) are located.
Despite the many challenges already highlighted (see EUROPE 11071), particularly the absence of any accommodation structure, the deployment of EUFOR CAR continues at a steady pace. In the first two weeks of May, the European force went from 140 soldiers to 232. These are mainly French soldiers from the operation Sangaris, together with several dozen Estonian soldiers. Over the next few days, soldiers from Finland, Spain and Georgia (an entire company) are expected to arrive. Czech, Latvian and Italian contingents are expected to arrive over the next few weeks. The full complement will therefore be in place in June, at around 800 soldiers.
General Pontiès currently believes that it will now not be necessary to make any further calls for contributions from the member states (force generation conference). Although all needs in terms of staff are theoretically satisfied, the same is not necessarily the case for capabilities. This is particularly true for surveillance drones, which could have been used for the observation of the two most difficult districts of Bangui (the third and the fifth), which EUFOR CAR will be responsible for securing. According to an intelligence officer we met in Larissa, the absence of these drones is not the result of any lack of willingness on the part of the member states to provide them, but can be put down to legal constraints over their use on the ground, which are specific to EU missions and which have to do with the handling and storage of data and images recorded.
Currently, the European force alone is responsible for securing M'Poko airport. It has also carried out initial patrols, particularly in the industrial areas close to the airport, where the operation's accommodation structure is located. No shots have been fired since their deployment on 30 April. General Pontiès said that there were “encouraging signs of stabilisation, living conditions have improved in Bangui”. This can be seen from the fact that the markets appear to be better supplied, as “many lorries are bringing food from Cameroon” and “the schools have reopened and the courts are back in business”.
At the same time, the situation is no less “volatile”, as there are still a great many “lines of confrontation” between the muslims of the Séléka rebellion and the Christians who have joined the ranks of the anti-Balaka militia, some of whom want to take on the role of legitimate security force. According to estimates, there are still around 6,000 Muslims in the capital, 3,000 of whom are in the third district. The risk for EUFOR CAR is that they become radicalised, acquire weapons and organise themselves into militia, the General told us. (JK)