Irish Army to help foster peace in Sudan

By Tom Brady, The Irish Independent

Apr 26, 2005 — Ireland is expected to contribute a small group of Army officers to a new peace mission in Sudan.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea confirmed last night that the United Nations had asked the Government to allow Defence Forces personnel to act as military observers in the operation, known as Unmisud, in southern Sudan.

But Irish participation will be limited to a maximum of 15 personnel.

At present one officer, Commdt Bernard Markey, is attached to a mission in Sudan. The Defence Forces currently has 750 soldiers serving abroad and under the UN standby arrangement systems has a total commitment of 850 troops.

Officials said last night that sending a large contingent to Sudan could not be considered before the middle of next year when Ireland’s involvement in the UN mission in Liberia is due to end.

The Government has been strongly supportive of the peace process in Sudan and also in the troubled region of Darfur.

Officials said the official request from the UN would be carefully considered but participation would be subject to the “triple lock” mechanism – UN, Government and Dail approval.