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Chad Update |
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Rebels have withdrawn from Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, after bloody fighting over the weekend. The government claimed a victory, but rebels promise to launch new attacks soon. Meanwhile, thousands are fleeing into Cameroon and other neighboring countries.
The UN, stepping up its condemnation of the rebellion, has granted permission to member states (read: France) to assist the government of Chad in putting down the rebellion. With French support, especially air power, the balance of power will likely tilt dramatically toward the government.
More in doubt is what effect the rebellion will have on the deployment of EU forces in eastern Chad, and on the Darfur situation as a whole. Given that this is the second major attack in two years by rebels, chances are it won’t be the last. Retaliation by Chad against Sudan (for its perceived backing of the rebellion), along with continued attempts by Sudan to hamper any and all peacekeeping efforts, may soon lead to even greater tragedy in the region. The EU, as well as the UN, find themselves in a tough spot.
