UN Peacekeepers Held Hostage in Sierra Leone, Crisis Erupts

Strategic Insights -

Tensions in West Africa's Sierra Leone escalated as rebels captured at least 92 United Nations peacekeepers, sparking a humanitarian crisis. The latest number is a sharp increase from the initial 49 reported on Wednesday. Three battalions of peacekeepers, totaling 2,000, are scheduled to arrive in Sierra Leone next month. Secretary General Kofi Annan flew back from Paris to decide on further action. He has spoken to regional leaders to persuade the rebels to release the hostages and end the crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 92 UN peacekeepers are being held hostage by rebels in Sierra Leone, a significant increase from the 49 reported on Wednesday.
  • Four peacekeepers from a Kenyan battalion are missing and presumed dead after rebels attacked their post in Magburaka.
  • Eight other troops have been reported wounded in clashes with the rebels, and one peacekeeper has been released.
  • Regional leaders, including Presidents Charles Taylor of Liberia, Blaise Compoare of Burkina Faso, and Muammar el-Qaddafi of Libya, are trying to persuade the rebels to free the hostages and end the crisis.
  • UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has spoken to the leaders about interceding with the rebels' leader, Foday Sankoh, and has condemned the attacks on the peacekeepers.
  • The US will "most likely" provide transportation for three battalions of peacekeepers from Bangladesh, India, and Jordan, a contingent totaling 2,000.
  • Foday Sankoh, the leader of the Revolutionary United Front, has denied holding the peacekeepers and faulted the UN for starting the fighting.

Statistics:

  • At least 92 UN peacekeepers are being held hostage by rebels in Sierra Leone.
  • Four peacekeepers from a Kenyan battalion are missing and presumed dead.
  • Eight other troops have been reported wounded in clashes with the rebels.
  • One peacekeeper, an Indian, has been released.
  • 8,700 peacekeepers and observers from more than 30 countries are in Sierra Leone.
  • The Security Council authorized an expansion of the mission to a maximum of 11,100 troops, including 260 military observers.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "United Nations Peacekeepers Held Hostage in Sierra Leone"
  • Agence France-Presse, "UN says Sierra Leone rebels still hold peacekeepers"
  • Pentagon, press statement by Kenneth H. Bacon
  • Security Council, statement on the situation in Sierra Leone
  • United Nations, press statement by Kofi Annan