UN Secretary-General Proposes Deployment of 3,000 Peacekeeping Soldiers to Rwandan Refugee Camps

Strategic Insights -

UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali has proposed deploying 3,000 peacekeeping soldiers to protect Rwandan refugee camps in neighboring Zaire, citing concerns over the safety and security of the camps. The proposal comes as reports emerge of continued military activity by former Hutu government forces living among civilians in the camps. Approximately 1.2 million Rwandan refugees are residing in camps in Zaire, and there are estimates of 230 Rwandan political leaders, including former ministers and military officials, living among them. The World Food Program has also reported growing levels of malnutrition among the refugees.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council is considering a plan to deploy 3,000 peacekeeping soldiers to protect Rwandan refugee camps in Zaire.
  • The proposed force would aim to provide security for humanitarian assistance, safe passage for refugees, and separate former Hutu government forces from civilian populations.
  • There are approximately 230 Rwandan political leaders, including former ministers and military officials, living among the 1.2 million Rwandan refugees in Zaire.
  • Former Hutu government forces are believed to have an estimated 50,000 personnel, with "the intention to regain power in Rwanda".
  • The World Food Program has reported growing levels of malnutrition among the refugees in Zaire.
  • Boutros-Ghali has proposed three military options for dealing with threats in the camps, including a UN peacekeeping operation, a UN force under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, and a multinational force under UN command.
  • The UN Secretary-General has emphasized the need for Rwandan leaders to support UN efforts with parallel efforts toward national reconciliation and for the international community to improve security in the refugee camps.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 500,000 Rwandans were killed during the massacres in 1994 after the president's death.
  • Over 1.2 million Rwandans fled to refugee camps in Zaire.
  • An estimated 230 Rwandan political leaders, including former ministers and military officials, are living among the refugees in Zaire.
  • 50,000 former Hutu government forces personnel are believed to still be active.
  • The proposed UN peacekeeping force would consist of 3,000 all ranks.

Sources:

  • United Nations, Nov. 21
  • Rym Brahimi, UN Secretary-General Proposes Deployment of Peacekeepers to Rwandan Refugee Camps (at the United Nations)