Sign in Subscribe
United Nations

UN Peacekeeping Mission in Rwanda: "Too Soon" to Discuss Withdrawal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations has maintained that its peacekeeping mission in Rwanda is still operational, despite the escalating conflict between the Rwandan army and the rebels of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). UN spokesman Joe Sills stated that it is too soon to discuss the possibility of withdrawing the UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) from the country. The mission, which has a mandate to form a transition government, has been unable to arrange a ceasefire between the warring parties, with Sills noting that "we are not successful in arranging a cease-fire."

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN has acknowledged the intense fighting in Kigali between the Rwandan army and the RPF, with the Security Council keeping the status and mandate of UNAMIR under close consideration.
  • The UN special envoy, Jacques Booh-booh, has been in touch with both sides in the conflict, but the organization has had limited influence on the parties.
  • The rebels of the RPF may have taken control of Byumba, a city in northern Rwanda, which has 260 Ghanaian peacekeepers stationed there.
  • The evacuation of UN non-military personnel is in its final phase, with the aim of evacuating all foreign nationals and troops within 24 hours.
  • Claude Dusaidi, the RPF representative in New York, claims that the conflict in Rwanda is not a tribal, but a political one, aimed at advocating democracy and security for the people.
  • News reports estimate that at least 10,000 people have been killed in the six days of fighting following the death of Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarima and President Cyprien Ntaryamira.

Statistics:

  • 2,500 strong UNAMIR has been deployed in Rwanda since last October.
  • The RPF has more than 3,000 soldiers in Kigali and has engaged government troops.
  • More than 10,000 people have been killed in the six days of fighting.
  • 260 Ghanaian peacekeepers are stationed in Byumba.
  • The evacuation of foreign nationals is almost complete.
  • The UN expects all foreign troops to leave Rwanda within 24 hours.

Sources:

  • "U.N. Says Mission in Rwanda Operating Normally" by The New York Times, April 12 [No date]
  • "Rwanda facing Full-scale War" by The Washington Times [No date]
  • "Rwanda peace talks stall" by Reuters, April 10 [No date]
  • Claude Dusaidi, RPF representative in New York (apologies, unable to verify exact source due to missing metadata)

Read more