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| May 19, 2008 |
Flying into Sam Ouandjo I could see the sprawl of plastic sheeting. A refugee camp is a dispiriting sight. This one was smaller than any I had visited in Darfur or Chad. On the (tiny) airstrip, I was surprised to see a EUFOR battalion with armed military vehicles and a chopper.I had a conversation with LCL Tom Picouron who told me they had just arrived in San Ouandjo for the first time and would be traveling the next day toward Chad where he and his troops intended to "locate and identify Janjaweed". Apparently there is a large gathering near the Chad border. I asked him what happens when they leave, what about the protection of the people here? He said EUFOR would work with local forces- meaning the CAR army (FACAS) and policemen.
After much discussion, preparation and delays, EUFOR finally deployed to CAR and eastern Chad last February. There are currently 2600 troops from 18 nations. I asked what they needed for the success of the overall mission-protection of the people in northeastern CAR and eastern Chad. He replied, "More support". Including choppers. I brought up the fact that the one-year mission would hardly be long enough and he agreed that the single year mandate would need to be extended. CRUCIAL I thought. Indeed I HOPE this is being planned now. If EUFOR leaves so vanishes all protection for civilians along this inferno of a borderland.
After much discussion, preparation and delays, EUFOR finally deployed to CAR and eastern Chad last February. There are currently 2600 troops from 18 nations. I asked what they needed for the success of the overall mission-protection of the people in northeastern CAR and eastern Chad. He replied, "More support". Including choppers. I brought up the fact that the one-year mission would hardly be long enough and he agreed that the single year mandate would need to be extended. CRUCIAL I thought. Indeed I HOPE this is being planned now. If EUFOR leaves so vanishes all protection for civilians along this inferno of a borderland.