afrol News, 26 September - United Nations has extended mandate of a peacekeeping mission in eastern Chad and Central African Republic beyond March 2009 expiration of the force's mandate.

UN Security Council adopted a resolution extending mandate while it considers forming a new peacekeeping operation to replace military forces from European Union, which was dispatched to the region to help refugees and maintain security.

Council decided a year ago to deploy a European Union peacekeeping force in the two countries, as well as a UN mission, to train and support Chadian police to guard UN run refugee camps.

Since early this year, more than 3,000 European soldiers from different member states have begun a one-year mission to protect refugees, civilians and aid workers in eastern Chad from conflict spilling over from Sudan's Darfur region.

In June Chadian president criticised EU peacekeepers for allegedly backing rebels and failing to protect civilians as rebels were advancing and claiming victory in three Chadian towns.

International charity Oxfam also said this month that United Nations and EU had failed to protect civilians from violence in eastern Chad and should urgently strengthen policing operations there.

Conflict that flared in Darfur region five years ago after rebels took up arms against Sudan's government has led to refugees being driven into neighbouring countries to flee attacks by pro-government militia, called Janjaweed.

Eastern Chad is a temporary home to some 300,000 Sudan refugees who have fled conflict in Sudan's western Darfur region and over 180 000 Chadians displaced by war between government and rebels.

European Union is deploying a total of 3,700 troops, including 2,200 French soldiers, to help protect Sudanese refugees and Chadians uprooted by the conflict.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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