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27/08/2008
Chad Violence Set To Grow On End Of Rains
The imminent end of Chad's annual rainy season is expected to mark an elevation in the intensity of fighting involving Ireland's troops in the troubled African state.
The Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, issued the warning 10 days after Austrian troops serving alongside the Irish were caught up in a gunfight with Chadian rebels, resulting in the loss of an Austrian trooper.
No Irish troops have been killed so far in the landlocked African country, but the loss of an Austrian colleague, and an expected increase in violence is raising concerns for the safety of the soldiers there.
Mr O'Dea said because most of Chad had been impassable due to the rainy season in recent months, there had been very little rebel activity.
However, the Irish and other nationalities in the EU-For peace enforcement mission (Eufor) did not expect the lull to continue.
At the end of July, a US-based humanitarian organisation claimed violence was "rampant" in the area with rebel movements, intercommunal violence, cross-border attacks and banditry being rampant.
Representatives from Refugees International (RI), based in Washington DC, spent last month in eastern Chad to research the current security situation.
The group said civilians and humanitarian workers are routinely attacked and the ongoing insecurity is hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid.
More than 400 Irish troops have been deployed to the region as part of the EU force, known as Eufor.
The joint mission in the deeply troubled region is due to expire next March, however it is unknown what form of international operation would be put in place once the foreign troops leave.
(DW)
The Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, issued the warning 10 days after Austrian troops serving alongside the Irish were caught up in a gunfight with Chadian rebels, resulting in the loss of an Austrian trooper.
No Irish troops have been killed so far in the landlocked African country, but the loss of an Austrian colleague, and an expected increase in violence is raising concerns for the safety of the soldiers there.
Mr O'Dea said because most of Chad had been impassable due to the rainy season in recent months, there had been very little rebel activity.
However, the Irish and other nationalities in the EU-For peace enforcement mission (Eufor) did not expect the lull to continue.
At the end of July, a US-based humanitarian organisation claimed violence was "rampant" in the area with rebel movements, intercommunal violence, cross-border attacks and banditry being rampant.
Representatives from Refugees International (RI), based in Washington DC, spent last month in eastern Chad to research the current security situation.
The group said civilians and humanitarian workers are routinely attacked and the ongoing insecurity is hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid.
More than 400 Irish troops have been deployed to the region as part of the EU force, known as Eufor.
The joint mission in the deeply troubled region is due to expire next March, however it is unknown what form of international operation would be put in place once the foreign troops leave.
(DW)
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19 June 2008
UN Criticises Irish Troops In Chad
The office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) has criticised Irish troops in Chad after a raid on their offices by rebels. A spokeswoman for the UNCHR said the she accepted Irish forces where serving in Chad on a basis of neutrality, but is reported to have argued they should have stepped in.
UN Criticises Irish Troops In Chad
The office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) has criticised Irish troops in Chad after a raid on their offices by rebels. A spokeswoman for the UNCHR said the she accepted Irish forces where serving in Chad on a basis of neutrality, but is reported to have argued they should have stepped in.
17 June 2008
Defence Minister Says Chad Attack Was Mistake
The Irish defence Minister has said that an attack by Chadian rebels on Irish forces in the war-torn country could have been "a mistake". Speaking as he arrived in Chad's capital N'Djamena, Minister Willie O'Dea said he believed the attack on Saturday was a "knee-jerk" reaction by rebels, and the shooting was a mistake.
Defence Minister Says Chad Attack Was Mistake
The Irish defence Minister has said that an attack by Chadian rebels on Irish forces in the war-torn country could have been "a mistake". Speaking as he arrived in Chad's capital N'Djamena, Minister Willie O'Dea said he believed the attack on Saturday was a "knee-jerk" reaction by rebels, and the shooting was a mistake.
13 August 2008
Irish Troops Chopper Into Chad
Irish troops presently undertaking operations in Chad have been sent three helicopters to help cope with monsoon conditions in the African state. The wet season in Chad has severely limited ground movement by all sides and the choppers are seen as vital for the force to fulfil its mission.
Irish Troops Chopper Into Chad
Irish troops presently undertaking operations in Chad have been sent three helicopters to help cope with monsoon conditions in the African state. The wet season in Chad has severely limited ground movement by all sides and the choppers are seen as vital for the force to fulfil its mission.
16 June 2008
Irish soldiers in hour-long firefight with Chad rebels
Irish troops came under fire at the weekend when rebels trying to topple President Idriss Deby attacked a town in eastern Chad where refugees were sheltering. There was heavy fighting for about an hour, but it was not clear if there were casualties. Eastern Chad is temporary home to some 300,000 refugees who have fled the Darfur conflict in Sudan.
Irish soldiers in hour-long firefight with Chad rebels
Irish troops came under fire at the weekend when rebels trying to topple President Idriss Deby attacked a town in eastern Chad where refugees were sheltering. There was heavy fighting for about an hour, but it was not clear if there were casualties. Eastern Chad is temporary home to some 300,000 refugees who have fled the Darfur conflict in Sudan.
28 May 2008
Chad Mission Most Expensive In History
Each Irish serviceman in Chad is costing the Irish taxpayer €200,000 according to figures released on Wednesday. The total price tag of €77 million is the most expensive military operation in the nation's history, €20 million of which was spent entirely on transport and supplies.
Chad Mission Most Expensive In History
Each Irish serviceman in Chad is costing the Irish taxpayer €200,000 according to figures released on Wednesday. The total price tag of €77 million is the most expensive military operation in the nation's history, €20 million of which was spent entirely on transport and supplies.
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
