France supports the African efforts for political solution in Darfur
By Michèle Alliot-Marie, The International Herald Tribune
France’s role in Sudan
PARIS The humanitarian disaster that is unfolding in Darfur, western Sudan, makes a far-reaching and active mobilization necessary and requires strong action from the international community.
For the past month, French soldiers based in Chad have been sending humanitarian relief by air, two to three times a day, to exiles who have had to abandon their homes in Darfur. The World Food Program, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and nongovernment organizations have also been able to deliver food to thousands of traumatized families.
As early as July 30, after the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1556, President Jacques Chirac of France decided, in agreement with the government of Chad, to mobilize military capabilities for this significant humanitarian action. So far, more than 450 tons of aid have been delivered by French troops present in Chad, who continuously devote all their energy to this job.
Such an emergency operation was required to avoid a worsening in the already worrying humanitarian situation. France will continue to take an active part in delivering international aid. Yet France cannot act alone.
When I visited the border between Chad and Sudan recently, I stressed that all of the European Union’s energies must be mobilized. The delivery of humanitarian aid must continue along with the African Union and the United Nations; but we must also support all efforts to implement the cease-fire and to allow displaced people to return home safely. This would contribute to a badly needed political settlement.
The crisis in Darfur is a key issue for the stability of the whole region and can only be solved through a political settlement. At a time when security challenges are increasingly undermining Africa’s economic and social development, we must succeed. My feeling is that the African Union’s capabilities, whether they relate to the present region or to other areas in crisis, should be supported by Europe.
Joint patrols along the border between Chad and Sudan, led by 200 French troops with units from Chad, have prevented the crisis in Darfur from expanding, which would bring the risk of further instability and endanger civilians across the whole region.
Based in Chad through bilateral agreements, these military capabilities were quickly deployed and then supported on the ground. This illustrated the crucial role of French forces deployed in Africa thanks to defense or cooperation agreements with various African countries.
Through its presence, France has been able to contribute to the settlement of several regional crises, in cooperation with the African Union and local organizations in Western and central Africa and also in the Horn of Africa. France takes part in joint training activities and the Recamp program, which aims at strengthening African peacekeeping forces.
Bilateral cooperation is one of the standing priorities of our military diplomacy. Thanks to a unanimously recognized know-how in crisis management and instantly operational logistical strengths, our prepositioned forces can provide skills to the international community and to the African Union for peacekeeping operations. We offer a permanent contribution to regional security and stability, while helping our African partners adjust their defense capabilities to maintain peace and resolve crises.
Since February 2004, France has backed the mediation by President Idriss Déby of Chad and the African Union that led to the April 8 cease-fire agreement signed in Ndjamena. We have played an active role in the cease-fire commission, whose deputy commander is a French officer. Our troops also bring logistical support to the cease-fire commission.
The terms of the humanitarian cease-fire agreement of April 8 and the UN action plan for Darfur decided on Aug. 5 are clear: They must produce results on the ground. Yet the report just submitted to the UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, following an assessment mission by his special representative to the region, shows that if all parties do not fully cooperate, threats to security may increase.
As a result, civilians will suffer even more, and especially displaced people. As President Chirac said on Aug. 27, it is absolutely necessary to use all provisions of Resolution 1556 to avoid more security threats. Human rights violations and threats against local populations require a stern resolve.
We act according to two priorities: the end of violence and a return to stability. After the cease-fire and the UN resolution, we must address the need for a political solution to the Darfur crisis. France supports the African Union’s efforts in this direction.
Michèle Alliot-Marie is France’s minister of defense.