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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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Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
