The UN Security Council discussed a new UN report outlining a possible peacekeeping mission to Chad and Central African Republic (CAR) on Tuesday, but after closed consultations, members agreed that the Chadian government needed to approve a future mission. Some delegations wanted some clarification on the Chadian government statements on a peacekeeping force, current council president Peter Burian told journalists after the meeting. The UN report, released officially on Monday, noted that Chadian President Idriss Deby told the press in his country that he approved a civilian force, not a peacekeeping force, referring to the possibility to allowing only police to enter the country. The advance mission, based in N djamena, would assist in protecting civilians at risk, including refugees, Internally Displaced People (IDPs), and would also maintain law and order in the refugee camps. MiNUTAC would also deploy some staff to the border areas to reduce cross-border tensions. This advance office will assist in the free movement of humanitarian assistance. Staff members would also maintain contact with all the key players in the area, including AU, civil society, the national army and others to enforce its mandate. Currently, a branch of the UN General Assembly is looking over the MiNUTAC budget. Once it is approved, the advance mission can deploy. Both France and the African members of the council, including Ghana, Congo, and South Africa, will be drafting the next resolution on Chad.
