The operation is a so-called Chapter 7 mission, which means that there may be peace enforcement. EUFOR's task is to create peace and stability in eastern Chad and the northeast part of the Central African Republic, the area bordering Darfur. The mandate is for one year. Sweden has limited its part of the operation to six months.
Within the framework of the European security and defence policy, the Council of the European Union adopted a joint action on implementation of the military operation.
The operation forms part of a broader EU involvement in the region around Darfur to promote peace, security, development and respect for human rights. The purpose of EUFOR is to protect civilians, refugees, the delivery of humanitarian aid and the aid organisations. EUFOR will also prepare the way for the planned UN policing of the area. In the longer term, EUFOR's presence should mean that refugees from Darfur and other displaced persons will be able to return to their homes.
Chad has suffered from internal conflicts and autocratic government for almost the whole of the time since it gained independence from France in 1960. The grave crisis in Darfur, since originating in its present form in 2003, has also entailed consequences for Chad due both to the flow of refugees from Darfur and the opportunities for rebel groups to operate freely.
In the Central African Republic the situation is unstable. Even after conclusion of the peace agreement, the security situation remains precarious since other rebel groups continue to operate, mainly in the northwest parts of the country where the territory is outside government control.
The humanitarian situation in eastern Chad and north-eastern part of the Central African Republic continues to be grave and the need for widespread international support remains urgent. In total there are around 500,000 refugees and other displaced persons in the intended area of operations.