France backs Deby, may intervene in Chad

[Hugabear]

Source: Christian Science Monitor

After proclaiming its neutrality over the past few days, France has decided it has the right to intervene to back up the government of President Idriss Déby against thousands of Chadian rebels hovering around the capital city of N'Djamena.

France's about-face came after the UN Security Council told France it had the right to intervene if it felt it was necessary. On Tuesday, President Nicolas Sarkozy told reporters that France would "do its duty" to support the "legitimately elected" government if it was necessary to do so. French Defense Minister Hervé Morin described the decision as a "sword of Damocles" over the rebel forces surrounding N'Djamena.

In any case, Mr. Morin added, the rebels appear to be retreating. "Every day and even every hour that passes shows regaining control of the whole country," Morin told French radio.

Given what is at stake in Chad – a $300 million humanitarian aid operation to look after some 400,000 refugees from Sudan's Darfur region and from Chad itself – the swiftness of the UN's decision to intervene may come as no surprise. But it is a staggering decision nonetheless, intervening in a sovereign country's internal affairs, and could have implications that extend far outside of Chad and into the neighboring conflict in Darfur itself.

Read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0206/p04s03-woaf.html

[ohio2007]

1. French Indo China Deja Vu nt

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2. It's about oil: Analysts explain economic motives for conflict in Chad

PARIS: Underlying the Chad conflict is a struggle to control the country's oil resources, which are vital - despite their modest size - to the future of one of Africa's most impoverished nations. "Oil plays an important role" in the current struggle between forces loyal to Chadian President Idriss Deby and rebels determined to drive him from power, said Philippe Vasset, editor of the specialized newsletter Africa Energy Intelligence.

"While the conflict is essentially political, reflecting lingering communal resentments ... there is also a significant bounty to share," Vasset said.

Nicolas Sarkis of Arab Oil and Gas magazine, noting that oil is Chad's principal resource, said "the opposition accuses the government of having sold off the riches of the country."

For Philippe Hugon, a researcher specializing in African economic affairs, "the oil wealth has been partially siphoned off and wasted on arms spending and on building up the personal fortunes of people close to Idriss Deby."

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=88766

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3. Chad rebels warn France against intervention

NDJAMENA: Rebels in Chad warned France on Wednesday against intervening militarily to support President Idriss Deby Itno’s regime, as French Defence Minister Herve Morin made an unannounced visit to Ndjamena.

In the aftermath of weekend offensives in the capital, rebel forces have pulled back “to better camouflage themselves” about 70 kilometres (35 miles) from Ndjamena, rebel spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah said.

“We warn France against all direct intervention; otherwise, things could very badly degenerate for it,” Koulamallah told AFP by satellite telephone. “It would risk losing face in Chad and endanger the lives of all its nationals in Africa.”

Morin - claiming that a column of rebel reinforcements was headed towards Ndjamena from the direction of Sudan - said he was carrying a “message of support” from France to Deby, who he was to see later in the day.

Daily Times PK