A peace operation with mixed results: MINURCAT in CAR and Chad

The UN Mission in Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) concluded its activities in December 2010, on the eve of general elections in both countries. The fragility of its gains results from the weakness of its mandate being essentially humanitarian while problems are political. The mission had to deal with the consequences of a situation in which it could not intervene. In addition, the slow deployment contributed to its discredit. Finally, the withdrawal of peacekeepers from areas occupied by the rebellions has deprived the people of these regions from the opportunity to participate in the elections in safety. More generally, MINURCAT illustrates the added value of a partnership between the UN and the EU. It also reflects the challenges of today's crises management: first, to reconcile two conflicting principles, namely, state sovereignty and responsibility to protect; and secondly, to deploy a peacekeeping operation when peace conditions are not met.