France Deploys Troops to Rwandan Border Ahead of Possible Intervention

Strategic Insights -

France has moved an advance party of troops to the Rwandan border to prepare for a potential dispatch of up to 2,000 troops, pending UN Security Council approval. The French government has emphasized that they will not proceed with the intervention if the opposing government and rebel forces do not agree. France's plan is to set up enclaves just inside the Rwandan border with Zaire, but not to enter the capital, Kigali. The move is intended as a sign that the world is not indifferent to the humanitarian crisis in Rwanda.

Key Takeaways:

  • France has deployed an advance party of troops to the Rwandan border to prepare for a potential dispatch of up to 2,000 troops.
  • The French government has stressed that they will not proceed with the intervention if the opposing government and rebel forces do not agree.
  • The original plan is for the French to set up enclaves just inside the Rwandan border with Zaire, but not to try to move into Kigali.
  • The move is intended as a sign that the world is not indifferent to the humanitarian crisis in Rwanda.
  • The United States and Britain have expressed support for the French move, while the United Nations Security Council has not yet given approval.
  • A 5,500-man force, composed primarily of African soldiers, has been requested by UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, but is not expected to arrive for three months.
  • The Rwandan Patriotic Front has accused the French of having already sent forces into Rwanda, but the French ambassador has denied the accusation.
  • The French government has stated that 20 French troops have been sent to Zaire to seek sites for refugee camps and plan for enclaves across the border in Rwanda.

Statistics:

  • 2,000: The maximum number of troops that France plans to dispatch to the Rwandan border.
  • 2,000 troops: The number of French and Belgian troops that were in Rwanda as observers to monitor a truce between the government and rebels when the killings started in April.
  • 5,500: The number of troops requested by UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
  • 500: The number of lightly armed troops under UN command in Rwanda.
  • Three months: The expected time before the 5,500-man force arrives.

Sources:

  • French Government spokesman
  • Rwandan Patriotic Front spokesman Claude Dusaidi
  • UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali
  • French Ambassador Jean-Bernard Merimee
  • US official quoted in the article
  • Agence France-Presse