UN Peacekeeping Force in Sierra Leone Faces Significant Gap

Strategic Insights -

Jordan's intention to withdraw its 1,800-strong contingent from the U.N. peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone has left the mission scrambling to fill a significant gap, as it already faces the loss of its 3,200-member Indian unit. The move raises concerns about a potential security vacuum that could be exploited by the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF). U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is seeking cooperation from both Jordan and India to mesh their withdrawals with the arrival of fresh troops.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jordan intends to withdraw its 1,800-strong contingent from the U.N. peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone by the end of the year.
  • The Indian contingent, which has already announced its planned pullout, consists of over 3,000 soldiers.
  • The withdrawal of both contingents will leave a significant gap in the U.N. Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), which is already below its authorized strength of 13,000 troops.
  • Annan is seeking cooperation from member states, including Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Ukraine, and Slovakia, to provide additional troops or equipment to fill the gap.
  • Bangladesh has offered two new battalions, while Ghana and Kenya are considering increasing their present contributions.
  • The withdrawal of the Indian contingent is seen as a serious loss for the U.N., which is worried that a security vacuum could be exploited by the RUF.
  • Annan had previously proposed raising the UNAMSIL's strength to 20,500, but this target now seems to be deferred.
  • The UNAMSIL suffered a humiliating incident in which over 500 soldiers were taken hostage by RUF rebels.

Statistics:

  • 1,800: The number of Jordanian troops withdrawing from the U.N. peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone.
  • 3,200: The number of Indian troops drawing down from the UNAMSIL.
  • 3,000: The number of Indian troops in the UNAMSIL contingent that has announced its planned pullout.
  • 13,000: The authorized strength of the UNAMSIL.
  • 20,500: The previously proposed target strength for the UNAMSIL (now deferred).
  • 500: The number of UNAMSIL soldiers taken hostage by RUF rebels.

Sources:

  • XINHUA News Agency (no date provided)
  • "Bangladesh offers to send two more battalions to Sierra Leone" (COMTEX) (no date provided)
  • "U.N. peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone faces gap after Indian troops pull out" (XINHUA News Agency, October 24)
  • "Report of the U.N. Security Council delegation on its visit to West Africa" (U.N. Security Council, October 17)