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United Nations

UN Officials Urge Immediate Deployment of 5500 Peacekeeping Troops to Rwanda

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Discouraged United Nations officials have made an urgent appeal for peacekeeping troops to be sent to Rwanda, citing a reluctance from governments to commit soldiers to help refugees return home. Since mid-May, the UN has been seeking 5500 troops to send to Rwanda, and it now says it needs them immediately. Major General Maurice Baril of Canada, the highest-ranking UN military official, said today that the UN can only count on getting 3000 soldiers to Rwanda by the end of August. This shortage could lead to as many as a million new refugees fleeing to Zaire, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN has been seeking 5500 peacekeeping troops to send to Rwanda since mid-May, but only 3000 are expected to arrive by the end of August.
  • If more troops are not raised immediately, as many as a million new refugees could flee to Zaire, adding to the humanitarian crisis.
  • The Clinton administration has announced plans to send up to 4000 US troops to help deliver humanitarian aid, but they will not participate in the long-term peacekeeping operation.
  • A UN commission will be formed to investigate the slaughter in Rwanda, headed by Secretary-General Dr. Boutros Ghali, and will report back in November.
  • The UN Secretary-General has announced a new commission to investigate the slaughter in Rwanda, with three experts forming the panel.
  • President Clinton has asked Congress to approve $US320 million in extra aid for Rwanda, and is considering opening a new airfield in Kigali to speed up aid deliveries.
  • The French government has begun withdrawing its 2500 troops from Rwanda and Zaire, with about 300 men being withdrawn from the "safe area" established in south-western Rwanda.

Statistics:

  • 5500 peacekeeping troops sought by the UN since mid-May
  • 3000 peacekeeping troops expected to arrive in Rwanda by the end of August
  • 4000 US troops to be sent to help deliver humanitarian aid
  • 2000 US soldiers may be based in Rwanda to speed up relief efforts
  • $US320 million in extra aid requested by President Clinton
  • 2500 French troops in Rwanda and Zaire, with 300 being withdrawn
  • 69 American troops and 2 forklifts on the ground in Goma
  • 200 American troops in Entebbe, Uganda
  • 1800 people dying each day from the spread of disease

Sources:

  • Washington Post

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