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UN Security Council Approves Immediate Deployment of Peacekeepers to Rwanda

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved the deployment of two battalions of peacekeepers to Rwanda to address the ongoing ethnic killings in the country. The resolution calls on governments to provide resources and logistics to the African-led force, which will be led by Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. The deployment is part of a larger effort to end the "systematic killings" between Tutsi and Hutu forces, which have resulted in estimated deaths ranging from 200,000 to over 500,000 since April 6.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has approved the deployment of two battalions of peacekeepers to Rwanda, with a total of 5,500 troops authorized for the UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR).
  • The African-led force will be led by Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe, with Congo, Mali, and Nigeria promising to add more troops to form a fifth battalion.
  • The peacekeepers will be deployed to the capital city of Kigali, with the first two battalions expected to arrive as soon as possible and two more battalions following in "close synchronisation".
  • The UN officials are seeking to supplement the force with troops from Western countries, including the United States, to provide armored personnel carriers, technical crews, engineers, and logistical experts.
  • The resolution allows UNAMIR to take action in self-defense "against persons or groups who threatened protected sites and populations, United Nations and other humanitarian personnel or the means of delivery and distribution of humanitarian relief."

Statistics:

  • Estimated deaths in Rwanda since April 6 range from 200,000 to over 500,000.
  • 2,500-strong UNAMIR force was withdrawn in May due to ethnic fighting between Tutsi and Hutu forces.
  • 5,500 troops will be provided to UNAMIR for the mission in Rwanda.
  • Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe will each provide a battalion of troops, while Congo, Mali, and Nigeria will provide additional troops to form a fifth battalion.

Sources:

  • [United Nations Press Release (no date)]
  • [The New York Times, June 8 (no author)]

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