UN Operation in Somalia Winds Down Amid Fears of Chaos and Violence

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations is reducing its presence in Somalia, with the mission set to conclude at the end of March. The operation, launched in December 1992 to protect aid convoys, has seen a significant decrease in activity, with the majority of UN personnel preparing for departure. The mission has faced numerous challenges, including the failure of Somali warlords to form a government of national unity, resulting in the loss of over 100 UN soldiers in the past two years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN operation in Somalia is scheduled to conclude at the end of March, with the last of the 15,000 troops, mostly from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Malaysia, pulling out.
  • At its peak, the mission numbered 30,000 troops, launched in December 1992 to protect aid convoys carrying food to a starving population.
  • The Security Council has repeatedly called for the formation of a government of national unity, but Somali warlords have yet to comply.
  • Over 100 UN soldiers have been killed or wounded in the past two years, while trying to bring stability to Somalia.
  • UN personnel have begun to pull out of several provincial cities, and Pakistani troops have abandoned their positions in northern Mogadishu.
  • Humanitarian organizations in northern Mogadishu, which rely on UN troops for security, are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

Statistics:

  • $US2.7 million ($A3.7 million) is spent by the UN daily in Somalia.
  • 15,000 troops are to be withdrawn by the end of March.
  • 30,000 was the peak number of troops in the UN operation in Somalia.
  • 100 UN soldiers have been killed or wounded in the past two years.
  • Over 1,000 people have been displaced in Mogadishu due to fighting.

Sources:

  • ANNIE THOMAS - Nairobi, Thursday
  • AFP (Agence France-Presse)