A 3,700 strong peacekeeping force for Chad and the Central African Republic has finally been given the go-ahead by European Union foreign ministers, to help to protect hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing the violence in neighbouring Darfur.

The mission, which will start deploying this week under a UN mandate, was scheduled to begin in November but was delayed by a shortage of troops, equipment and funding.

The year-long operation is the EU's most ambitious military engagement since Bosnia. It has the triple task of protecting refugees and displaced persons, helping to deliver humanitarian aid and ensuring the safety of UN staff and installations.

“The EU military operation will have an appropriate mandate allowing the use of armed force if necessary. It will be independent, impartial and neutral,” yesterday's statement said.

France, with almost 2,000 soldiers, will supply the bulk of the contingent, which will be under the command of Irish Lieutenant-General Patrick Nash. Among the 14 EU countries providing troops in the field, Ireland is sending 430, Poland 350, Sweden 200 and Romania 120.

Britain is not contributing troops, but like most EU countries will base two soldiers at the mission's operational headquarters in France. The force, known as Eufor Tchad/CAR will have an initial annual budget of 120 million euros (£895,000), although the final cost could be far higher. It will be deployed in four areas — three in Chad and one in the Central African Republic — with an initial entry force of some 400 soldiers heading for the Chadian capital of Ndjamena this week.

The Darfur conflict has claimed about 200,000 lives and driven more than two million people from their homes since rebels took up arms against the Government in 2003.

More than 230,000 Darfur refugees, some 180,000 displaced eastern Chadians and 43,000 Central Africans who have also been forced to flee the fighting in the north of their country are housed in camps in the region are monitored by some 300 UN police officers.

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