UN Security Council Increases Troop Deployment in Sierra Leone

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Security Council has increased the number of troops deployed in Sierra Leone to 13,000, with potential further expansions in the coming weeks. This decision was necessitated by the arrival of reinforcements from Bangladesh, Jordan, and India, which pushed the force above its original limit of 11,000 troops. The UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone, the largest in the world, is now likely to reach up to 16,500 troops, as Secretary-General Kofi Annan is expected to recommend to the council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has increased the troop deployment in Sierra Leone by 2,000, bringing the total to 13,000.
  • The reinforcements from Bangladesh, Jordan, and India were expected to push the force above the original limit of 11,000 troops.
  • Secretary-General Kofi Annan is expected to recommend an additional increase to 16,500 troops in the next few days.
  • The UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone is already the largest in the world and faces challenges from rebels holding over 300 peacekeepers hostage.
  • The administration is considering waiving the 15-day notification procedure for new or augmented missions, which could delay the next steps in Sierra Leone.
  • The government of Sierra Leone is investigating the case of Foday Sankoh, the leader of the Revolutionary United Front, who is now in custody after nine days in hiding.
  • Some of Sankoh's followers are demanding his release in exchange for ending the war, which could embolden further violence.

Statistics:

  • The UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone has increased by 2,000 troops, bringing the total to 13,000.
  • The mission is expected to reach up to 16,500 troops with an additional increase recommended by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
  • Over 300 UN peacekeeping soldiers are being held hostage by rebels in Sierra Leone.
  • More than 500 soldiers and monitors, mostly African, were seized by rebels at the beginning of the month.
  • The UN has increased the number of troops listed as missing due to alarming delays in the releases of hostages.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "U.N. Council Approves Increase in Sierra Leone Troops"
  • Associated Press, "U.N. to Increase Troops in Sierra Leone"
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution
  • Secretary-General Kofi Annan statement

Note: The exact format of the resolution number and Secretary-General's statement date is not specified in the original text, as it only mentions the content without providing the actual number and date.