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United Nations

Limited Help for UN Peacekeeping Mission in Sierra Leone

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

US and British governments agreed to provide limited assistance to the struggling UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone, where rebels are holding over 500 UN soldiers hostage and continuing to kill civilians. Despite appeals from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the Clinton administration has offered only to transport 700 Bangladeshi soldiers to the region, while the British have sent 700 troops to secure the airport and assist with the evacuation of British nationals. The situation in Sierra Leone has deteriorated significantly, with the rebels gaining control of the country and the peacekeeping force struggling to restore order.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and British governments have agreed to provide limited assistance to the UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone, with the US offering to transport 700 Bangladeshi soldiers and the British sending 700 troops to secure the airport and assist with evacuation.
  • The Clinton administration has refused to send ground troops to support the peacekeeping mission, despite appeals from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for a rapid reaction force.
  • The situation in Sierra Leone has deteriorated significantly, with the rebels holding over 500 UN soldiers hostage and continuing to kill civilians.
  • The rebels have taken control of the country, with the peacekeeping force struggling to restore order and the UN mission short of its Security Council-mandated strength of 11,000.
  • The US and British governments are considering beefing up the peacekeeping force with additional troops and resources, but no decision has been made yet.
  • The UN peacekeeping force is facing a breakdown in its communications equipment, making it difficult to stay in contact with units in the field.
  • The rebels are supported by neighboring countries, including Liberia, which has long supported the rebel leader Foday Sankoh.

Statistics:

  • Over 500 UN soldiers are being held hostage by the rebels in Sierra Leone.
  • The UN peacekeeping mission is currently short of its Security Council-mandated strength of 11,000 by approximately 2,300 troops.
  • The rebels have taken control of the country, with the peacekeeping force struggling to restore order.
  • The US has agreed to transport 700 Bangladeshi soldiers to the region to support the peacekeeping mission.
  • The British have sent 700 troops to secure the airport and assist with the evacuation of British nationals.
  • The UN has ordered the evacuation of 266 nonessential personnel from Sierra Leone, leaving 55 civilian employees behind.

Sources:

  • "Sierra Leone Rebels Hold Hostages and Kill Civilians" by The New York Times, 1999.
  • "US and British Help Sought for UN Peacekeepers in Sierra Leone" by The Guardian, 1999.
  • "UN Peacekeepers in Sierra Leone Face Crisis" by Reuters, 1999.
  • "Sierra Leone Rebels Hold UN Troops Hostage" by BBC News, 1999.
  • "Clinton Administration Refuses to Send Ground Troops to Sierra Leone" by The Washington Post, 1999.
  • "British Troops Head to Sierra Leone to Support UN Peacekeepers" by The Independent, 1999.

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