The first Irish troops to be deployed in Chad as part of a European Union peacekeeping force arrived in the capital N'Djamena today.
The Irish soldiers - who will eventually number 450 - will be the second-biggest foreign military contingent in the country after those from former colonial power France, whose troops will make up the majority of the 3,700-strong EU force (Eufor).
Last Friday, Chadian president Idriss Déby declared a nationwide state of emergency in the country following increased attacks from rebel groups, some of which are believed to be Sudanese militia.
Some 500,000 people, including refugees from Sudan's western Darfur region and Chadians displaced by war and ethnic violence, are sheltering in camps in eastern Chad.
Humanitarian workers say bolstering security is vital to ensure aid can be supplied. The EU mission to Chad complements a much bigger African Union/United Nations peacekeeping force planned for Darfur.
The first 50 members of the Irish Army Ranger Wing who arrived today will immediately begin patrolling the eastern towns of Abeche and Goz Beida to identify base camp areas, the Irish Defence Forces said.
Chad is negotiating "at this moment" with rebels opposed to Mr Déby, Chad's foreign minister Ahmat Allam-Mi told said today.
Several peace deals between Chad's government and the rebels, brokered by Libya and Saudi Arabia, have collapsed over the last year. Chad says the insurgents, who denounce Mr Déby's 18-year rule as corrupt and dictatorial, are backed by neighbouring Sudan. Khartoum denies the claim.