§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the lines of political and operational responsibility of the European Union military force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations Secretary General and the Security Council. [HL3356]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe operation in Bunia will be undertaken by the EU in close co-operation with the UN. The Secretary-General/High Representative assisted by the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes will, in close co-ordination with the European Presidency act as a primary point of contact with the UN.
The IEMF force commander will maintain contact with the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and other international and regional actors in theatre.
The EU's Political and Security Committee (PSC) will exercise the political control and strategic direction of the operation under the responsibility of the Council. The PSC has been authorised by the Council to take the relevant decisions in accordance with Article 25 of the Treaty on European Union. This authorisation includes powers to amend the OPLAN, the chain of command and the rules of engagement. The powers of decision with respect to the objectives and the termination of the operation will however remain vested in the European Council, assisted by the Secretary-General/High Representative.
The EU's Military Committee (EUMC) will monitor the proper execution of the military operation conducted under the responsibility of the operation commander.
57WAFrance will act as the framework nation for the operation and provide the operational headquarters (OHQ). The OHQ is located in Paris and will include officers from several participating countries as well as officials from the general secretariat of the Council.
The force headquarters is located in Entebbe (Uganda) with an advanced position in Bunia. Major General Bruno Neveux (France) has been appointed the EU operation commander and Jean-Paul Thonier appointed as the EU force commander.