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Soldiers

UN Pledges Continued Support for Somalia Despite Peacekeeping Withdrawal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali announced that the organization will not abandon Somalia despite the withdrawal of its peacekeeping forces. The UN's efforts to facilitate peace and reconciliation in the Horn of Africa country will continue, with humanitarian agencies and UN officials working to provide assistance to rural communities. The withdrawal of 15,000 peacekeepers was completed ahead of schedule, and the UN Development Program is monitoring the southern region carefully, with plans to continue programs in other areas without interruption.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN will not abandon Somalia, despite the withdrawal of its peacekeeping forces, with efforts to facilitate peace and reconciliation continuing.
  • The UN Development Program will continue to work in 14 regions in Somalia, helped by 800 Somalis, and plans to return to Mogadishu soon.
  • Humanitarian agencies, including the UN Children's Fund, World Food Program, and Red Cross, have appealed for $70 million to help Somalis through July.
  • Relief agencies are importing humanitarian supplies through ports and border crossings other than those in Mogadishu to avoid the volatile situation in the capital.
  • The UN agencies and non-governmental organizations are working hard toward development assistance to rural communities of Somalia, where Somali people are making an effort to rebuild their country.
  • U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali praised the withdrawal of U.N. forces as being carried out in a safe and orderly manner, ahead of schedule and virtually without a hitch.

Statistics:

  • 15,000 peacekeepers withdrew from Somalia, completing the withdrawal ahead of schedule.
  • 50 international staffers from a dozen UN agencies and non-governmental organizations will continue their work in Somalia.
  • 800 Somalis will assist the UN officials in their work.
  • The UN has appealed for $70 million to help Somalis through July.
  • Mercenaries are leaving Somalia safely and without a hitch 800.

Sources:

  • United Nations Press Release, March 2
  • Erling Dessau, coordinator for the U.N. Development Program in Somalia

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