The Irish Defences Forces’ commander in Chad today warned his troops were ready to stand and fight to protect the lives of refugees if rebels attack.
Lieutenant Colonel Joe McDonagh (50) whose long service record includes tours of duty in Lebanon, Georgia, Russia and Liberia, vowed soldiers will meet their responsibilities on the peace enforcement mission, guarding unarmed men, women and children and their makeshift homes.
“If rebels threaten those assets, those people, we will intervene and we will do our job,” he said.
“We’re conscious of the fact that there is that threat out there... and we’re ready for it.” Galway man Lt Col McDonagh branded the Chad mission the most challenging of his 31-year career but he is under no doubt it has been a success so far.
“Let’s put it this way, I believe the last rebel activity in this area was June 14 last year, there has been nothing since,” he said.
“I believe that we have provided a safe and secure environment, the bottom line in our mission statement.
“I believe that we have done that.” The Lt Col said the combination of inhospitable environment, severe climate and remoteness has proved extremely difficult.
The veteran soldier, who has served in nine overseas missions, is heading up the 400-strong Irish contingent in Chad’s volatile eastern flank around 40 kilometres from the Sudanese border.
“Chad is definitely the most challenging,” Lt Col McDonagh said.
“First of all because of the remoteness of where we are, the long line of supply back to Ireland, it’s working very well but there has to be a lot of pre-planning to make sure that we have everything.
“The environment is difficult, it is definitely a huge challenge for us.
“And operating, for me, the first time under the Eufor flag has been a challenge, but also very rewarding.” Lt Col
McDonagh is in charge of the 99th Infantry Battalion, which took over running of the Irish base, Camp Ciara, from the 98th around a month ago, and also houses Dutch and French contingents.
The troops will serve four months before passing responsibility on to another battalion, just before the oppressive heat of Chad’s dry season makes way for the overwhelming rain of the wet months.
Under Eufor the peace enforcement troops have a UN mandate to protect civilians in Chad displaced through local unrest as well as refugees from war-torn neighbouring Sudan.
There are a number of tasks facing the commander of the UN force, including the transfer of power from Eufor to the United Nations next month.
“It will be quite unique for the Defence Forces in that it is our first time getting involved in a transitional authority from Eufor to another organisation,” Lt Col McDonagh said.
“We know from our experience how the UN works. We’re in a good position as we approach the deadline.” The mission will cease being known as Eufor from March 15th, assuming instead the title MINURCAT.
New personnel are already arriving at the base, including technicians, advisors and UN police.
The impending indictment of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir for genocide is also foremost on the minds of all those working in this remote region, be it military or aid worker.
There are concerns that if international moves are made against the president, rebels will unleash a fresh wave of violence that could potentially spill over into Chad.
But despite the enormity of the challenges, the top ranking soldier said the battalion was well equipped, and well trained to deal with any dangers they face as they carry out their arduous mission.
PA