UN peacekeeping chief arrives in Chad to discuss cooperation with government

The top United Nations peacekeeping official has arrived in Chad accompanied by a five-member team to discuss cooperation between the Government and the UN peacekeeping mission in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

The visit by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy comes after Chad called for the withdrawal of the military component of the UN mission, known as MINURCAT, which was set up in 2007 after tensions increased along the border with Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region.

Mr. Le Roy met today with the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of MINURCAT, Victor Angelo, after which they both met with Chadian Prime Minister Youssouf Saleh Abbas.

The Security Council tasked MINURCAT with protecting civilians and refugees as well as promoting human rights and peace in the troubled north-eastern part of the CAR and eastern Chad.

Last week the 15 members of the Council “expressed their full support for MINURCAT and encouraged further consultations on the way forward.”

During his five-day visit, Mr. Le Roy will continue discussions with Chadian authorities and the senior management of the mission.