Brussels, 04/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - The Council of Ministers of EU Member States is expected to adopt in the near future (probably 18 July) two joint actions on strengthening EU support for the African Union mission (AMIS II) in Darfur. The first sets out details of the EU's civil-military action in support of the AMIS II mission (strengthened support action for planning, equipment provision, teams of experts or military observers, air transport, training, support in policing), and the second action covers the appointment of a special EU representative for Sudan who will be responsible for coordinating EU support (candidates include Sten Rylander of Sweden, who was part of the negotiating team between the Sudanese government and the rebels during discussions in Abuja).
The main elements of the EU aid package in the military field are:
Strategic airlift: The EU is expected to provide strategic and tactical airlifts and airlift coordination to assist with force rotation and AMIS II expansion (from 3,000 men today to 8,000 by end September). It is necessary to lift at least two African battalions (3 Nigerian, 3 Rwandan, one Senegalese and one from the South African Republic). The deployment of these forces begins this week (with troops from Nigeria) and will be extended until the end of September. The AU is responsible for planning, with the assistance of partners (EU, NATO and United Nations). Most transport for the African battalions will be by truck, but work is currently underway to organise airlift (“in theatre transport”). The EU Member States are all present in the field of planning (in addition to France and Germany and others, there is also Spain and Poland that will provide equipment and aircraft).
Military observation: The number of observers, hitherto eight, will increase to sixteen (16 others will come from other partners, especially the United States and Canada).
Training: Member States will provide à-la-carte training for contributor countries. More generally, the “Maprex” exercise foreseen during the summer (15 July to 23 August) will be piloted by the United Nations with the participation of EU and NATO officers for training African staff members who are to serve in the various AU military staffs.
Coordination: Coordination measures have been taken within the EU in order to respond to any further demands, with above all the designation of a special EU representative to Darfur assisted by advisers (on political, military and police matters). Furthermore, coordination will be ensured in Brussels by a unit overseen by a general officer from the EU Military Staff.
Observation mission: France and Germany have suggested having an aerial observation mission with essentially French means (Chad or marine means) to improve the AU's vision of what is happening in real time on the ground in Darfur (reconnaissance of convoys and movements of fighters). At this stage, however, the AU has not shown much interest in such action.
In the police area, the EU will provide aid to the CIVPOL command chain of AMIS II. In total, EU funding amounts to EUR 170 million, of which EUR 122 million will be for direct support of AU action (bilateral contributions and Community budget), which gives an idea of the magnitude of EU and Member State-led action, European sources say.