Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste, correctly labelled as ‘shocking’ the disclosures regarding ex-Defence Forces personnel training a brigade in Libya, stating it inflicted reputational harm on both Ireland and its Defence Forces. Such training by an Irish firm for the troops of Libyan renegade general Khalifa Haftar seemingly infringes the UN’s arms embargo and blatantly conflicts with the stance of the Irish Government.
The training occurred last year in the eastern Libyian sector under Haftar’s command, who counts the Russian-backed Wagner group and several Arab nations supporting his opposition to the UN-recognised Tripoli government among his allies. The training programme was managed by a firm named Irish Training Solutions, who employed former and outgoing Army Rangers Wing and Defence Forces members to execute the task.
The Defence Forces had already expressed anxiety after hearing rumours about the activities and subsequently launching an internal investigation. Senior officials were particularly worried about the potential harm to the military’s reputation, especially given that an Irish Naval Service vessel had participated in a Mediterranean-based EU operation to enforce the arms embargo earlier that year.
The Defence Forces’ enquiries spurred An Garda Síochána into starting its own probe. At this juncture, they report no findings suggesting an infringement of Irish criminal law. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which is responsible for ensuring UN sanctions are observed, has now also begun an investigation.
Several glaring questions have already arisen, although more details may yet be unveiled. The involvement of retired military personnel, including ex-members of the elite Army Ranger Wing, appears to directly contradict Ireland’s endorsement of the UN sanctions.
The regulations pertaining to former Defence Forces members, and their ability to ‘trade’ expertise acquired during their military service, now require scrutiny. Whilst ex-defence personnel remain within the jurisdiction of military law for six months post-departure, this only applies to actions undertaken prior to them leaving active service. As the majority of those implicated in the training had already left the forces, they may not have breached any military regulations. However, their presence in Libya, with some reportedly donning Irish military emblems, is not only a source of significant embarrassment for the Defence Forces but also potentially presents broader diplomatic complications for Ireland.
The responsibility of adhering to United Nations’ sanctions lies with each nation individually, and it is crucial for Ireland to verify that its citizens and firms are not violating these sanctions. The governmental authorities in Ireland anticipate that the multiple ongoing inquiries can guide them towards securing compliance.