UN Security Council Mission to Somalia Calls for Withdrawal of UN Troops by March 1995

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Security Council mission, led by New Zealand Ambassador Colin Keating, has concluded that the mandate for the UN peacekeeping operation in Somalia should not be extended beyond March 1995. The mission, which visited Somalia last week, assessed the appropriateness of a withdrawal of the 15,000 UN troops from the country. Keating stated that the March 31 deadline set in February was appropriate and that there was no need for a large military role beyond that date. The UN operation, known as UNOSOM, has been the subject of controversy in the Security Council, with some members questioning the continued presence of troops in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council mission led by Colin Keating recommends withdrawing UN troops from Somalia by March 1995.
  • The mission assessed the appropriateness of a withdrawal of the 15,000 UN troops from the country.
  • The March 31 deadline set in February was deemed appropriate by the mission.
  • UNOSOM's mandate expired on October 31, but was extended to Friday to reassess the situation.
  • The mission conveyed a "very hard message" to Somali factions that genuine inclusivity in the national reconciliation process was critical.
  • The UN has achieved a significant milestone in Somalia, with famine no longer stalking the land and parts of the country returning to normality.
  • Humanitarian agencies agree that it is time to make the break from the UN's presence in Somalia, with Somalis taking responsibility for their own country.
  • UNOSOM's withdrawal is contingent on the Somali factions making progress in national reconciliation efforts.

Statistics:

  • 15,000: The number of UN troops in Somalia.
  • March 31: The deadline set by the UN Security Council for the withdrawal of UN troops from Somalia.
  • October 31: The date on which UNOSOM's mandate expired.
  • 7: The number of countries represented on the UN Security Council mission to Somalia.
  • 1: The number of national reconciliation conferences convened by General Farah Aideed, which was not supported by UNOSOM.

Sources:

  • "UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 1 The head of a U.N. Security Council mission to Somalia said Tuesday the mandate for the U.N. peacekeeping operation in the country should not be extended beyond March, 1995."

(AP News)

  • "A report last month by U.N. secretary-general said that if a national reconciliation effort between the various Somali factions was not in progress, the U.N. operation there, known as UNOSOM, should withdraw."
  • "The question of the mandate of UNOSOM has been a matter of controversy in the Security Council,' Keating said."
  • "He said the second purpose of his mission was to warn Somali factions that the United Nation's assistance would depend strongly on their willingness to make progress in a national reconciliation effort."
  • "The United Nations has achieved a great deal in the country. 'Famine no longer stalks the land,' he said, 'and that is a major achievement.'"
  • "Evidence was there from everybody including non-governmental organizations and aid agencies that large parts of the country are returning to normality," Keating said.