Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

I am concerned about the terrain and the number of rebels in Chad. As the Minister of State is aware, the number of refugees in Chad is estimated to be 400,000. In recent years, the area has been convulsed by violence. Clashes between the local ethnic and tribal groups run in tandem with guerilla attacks so there are fears for the safety of troops going out there.

The mission should be clearly set from the start. The EU force must make it clear to the population that it wants to serve and do what it can do for it. The people need to know what they can expect, what the force's mandate is and what it will do when it is out there.

I have concerns about some rebel groups who have said that they will attack the forces if they get in the way. In addition, it is impossible to police the entire zone, given the terrain of the country. It is really too big and the number of troops involved — 4,300 — might not be enough. Can the Minister of State tell me about the exit strategy? How does he see it panning out over the next few years?

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