UN Peacekeepers Withdraw from Somalia, Hope for Reconciliation Grows

Strategic Insights -

United Nations peacekeepers withdrew from Somalia last week, marking the end of a 15,000-troop operation that began in November. The Assistant Secretary-General, Lansana Kouyate, expressed hope that the removal of UN troops will encourage the country's warring factions to work towards reconciliation. Kouyate, a former envoy to Somalia, believes that the factions have finally realized the need to establish a joint committee to manage the port and airport, a move long advocated by the UN. He attributes this change in behavior to the impending departure of UN troops, which has prompted the factions to take action. Kouyate is optimistic that this trend will continue, and that the UN may not need to return to Somalia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 15,000 UN peacekeepers withdrew from Somalia last week, marking the end of their operation.
  • The Assistant Secretary-General, Lansana Kouyate, expressed hope that the withdrawal will encourage the country's warring factions to work towards reconciliation.
  • The factions have established a joint committee to manage the port and airport, a move long advocated by the UN.
  • Kouyate attributes the change in behavior to the impending departure of UN troops.
  • The last reconciliation conference held in Nairobi in March 1994 was beginning to yield results, with faction leaders Mohamed Farah Aidid and Ali Mahdi speaking to each other.
  • Without acceptance by all Somali parties, it would be "extremely difficult" for the United Nations to play a key role in the country's reconciliation process.

Statistics:

  • 15,000 UN peacekeepers withdrew from Somalia last week.
  • 50 international staffers from a dozen UN agencies and non-governmental organizations will continue their work in 14 regions in Somalia.
  • 800 Somalis will assist in the continued work of these UN agencies.
  • The last reconciliation conference held in Nairobi in March 1994 was held 2 years prior to the current peacekeeping withdrawal.

Sources:

  • United Nations Press Release, March 7.