UN Peacekeeping Force to Replace French Intervention in Rwanda by August

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations is expected to deploy 2,000 peacekeepers to Rwanda by the end of August, with the first 60 observers arriving before the end of July and an additional 400 troops by August 6. Canada has pledged to send 350 communication specialists, with the first group of 40 departing on Monday. The French military mission, launched on June 23, will be withdrawn by the end of this month, provided the UN peacekeeping force is in place.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN peacekeeping force will consist of 2,000 troops from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Canada, with the first 60 observers expected to arrive in Rwanda before the end of July.
  • Canada has agreed to send 350 communication specialists, with the first group of 40 departing on Monday and the remainder to be dispatched next week.
  • The French military mission, which was established on June 23, will be withdrawn by the end of this month, contingent on the deployment of the UN peacekeeping force.
  • Approximately 1 million refugees have taken refuge in a security zone established by the French in the southwest of the country, and over 1,300 others have been evacuated.
  • Humanitarian aid has been delivered to over 1,300 refugees and 400 tons of aid has been distributed.
  • The UN High Commissioner for Refugees reports that 1.5 million refugees have fled to Zaire since the Tutsi-dominated rebels took control of the country.

Statistics:

  • 2,000: Number of UN peacekeepers expected to be deployed to Rwanda by the end of August.
  • 60: Number of UN observers expected to arrive in Rwanda before the end of July.
  • 400: Number of UN troops expected to arrive in Rwanda by August 6.
  • 350: Number of communication specialists being sent by Canada to Rwanda.
  • 40: Number of communication specialists departing on Monday.
  • 1 million: Number of refugees taking refuge in the security zone established by the French in the southwest of the country.
  • 1,300: Number of refugees evacuated.
  • 400 tons: Amount of humanitarian aid delivered to refugees.

Sources:

  • "UN Seeks 2,000 Peacekeepers for Rwanda: Balladur" by Reuters, July 20, 1994
  • "Canada to Send Communications Troops to Rwanda" by The Ottawa Citizen, July 20, 1994
  • "France's Rwanda Force to Withdraw" by Agence France-Presse, July 20, 1994
  • "Refugees Fleeing Rwanda" by The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, July 19, 1994