EU retreats from Chad operation

Sunday Telegraph:

A European Union military mission faced being dragged into a war in the heart of Africa as rebels advanced on Chad's capital on Friday.

The oil-rich country, which has suffered years of conflict, has been earmarked for the deployment of 3,700 EU troops who will serve as peacekeepers on its eastern border with Sudan's war-torn region of Darfur.

However, a plane-load of 54 Irish special forces did not depart for N'Djamena, Chad's capital, and a cargo aircraft carrying equipment and a dozen Austrian soldiers turned back yesterday.

The United Nations also evacuated all non-essential staff from the country as rebels bent on overthrowing President Idriss Deby were advancing on the capital.

Heavy fighting was reported within 30 miles of the city, sited on the banks of the Chari river.

A rebel convoy, consisting of some 300 vehicles, had advanced across the desert from the border with Sudan.

These insurgents are backed by Sudan's regime, which accuses Mr Deby of fueling the war in its province of Darfur by supporting black African rebels.

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The story appears to be behind the curve on the rebel advance which was reported to be in the capital already more than 12 hours ago. More than likely the rebels timed their attack to beat the EU force into position. If that was their strategy, it appears to have worked at this point.

The NY Times reports that the rebels are in the capital and are ready to facilitate the removal of the President. It confirms that the force came from Sudan in a rapid assault that took the Chad army by surprise. Apparently their situational awareness was not up to the task and they were unable to make a timely response. It also confirms my earlier speculation that this is also about grabbing the oil wealth.

Arab News reports that the wife an daughter of an employee at the Saudi Embassy were killed in a bomb explosion during the rebel attack.