European Union Military Operation in Chad and the Central African Republic
European Union Force Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR Chad and the Central African Republic), also EUFOR Tchad/RCA after the French, was the European Union mission in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR), authorised in late 2007. EUFOR Chad/CAR was authorised under the same United Nations Security Council resolution that mandated MINURCAT, a UN force tasked with training police and improving judicial infrastructure.
| European Union Military Operation in Chad and the Central African Republic | |
|---|---|
| Active | February 2008 – 15 March 2009 |
| Allegiance | European Union, with United Nations mandate |
| Size | 4,300 troops (3,700 operational, 600 reserve) |
| Part of | United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad |
| Operational HQ | Fort Mont-Valérien, Paris, France |
| Nickname(s) | EUFOR Tchad/RCA European Union Force Chad/CAR |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lieutenant General Patrick Nash |
The European Union Force's mandate included "to take all necessary measures, within its capabilities and its area of operation in eastern Chad and the north-eastern Central African Republic" to protect civilians, facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure the safety of UN personnel. The military operation was approved by the Council of the European Union on 15 October 2007. The EU operation commander was Lieutenant General Patrick Nash of the Irish Defence Forces. The force was announced to be 4,300 troops strong. Out of these, 3,700 troops were deployed in the area of operations, and a strategic reserve of 600 troops was stationed in Europe.
The mission started to deploy in February 2008, reaching its Initial Operational Capability on 15 March 2008. On 15 March 2009, a UN force took over under the MINURCAT mandate.