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Peacekeeping forces

UN Security Council Postpones Action on Rwanda Peacekeeping Operation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Security Council convened on April 15 to address the ongoing conflict in Rwanda, where the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) is clashing with the government and an interim government has fled. Despite the urging of the council to agree to an immediate cease-fire and return to negotiations, no action was taken, and the decision to postpone was made until next week. The council is considering several options, including withdrawing the 2,500-strong peace mission, amid the withdrawal of the Belgian contingent and the request from some countries to send in more troops to restore order in Kigali.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has decided to postpone action on the peacekeeping operation in Rwanda until next week due to ongoing conflict between the Rwandan government and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).
  • The immediate priority in Rwanda is the establishment of a cease-fire between government forces and the RPF, as stated by Ambassador Colin Keating of New Zealand, the council's president.
  • The 2,500-strong peace mission is being considered for withdrawal, following the withdrawal of the 430-strong Belgian contingent, which is the backbone of the UN operation.
  • The RPF has taken control of half of the capital, Kigali, and key buildings in the government, according to their representative in New York, Claude Dusaidi.
  • The interim government formed last week has fled to Zaire, Dusaidi claimed.
  • The RPF favors the presence of United Nations peacekeepers in Kigali, highlighting the humanitarian concerns in the region.

Statistics:

  • 2,500: The number of peacekeepers in the UN operation in Rwanda.
  • 430: The number of remaining Belgian troops in the peace mission, who have been asked to withdraw following the death of 10 Belgian troops.
  • 50% : The estimated proportion of the capital, Kigali, taken over by the RPF.
  • 200: The proposed number of peacekeepers for a reduced force.

Sources:

  • "UNITED NATIONS, April 15 The U.N. Security Council met Friday to try to save its peacekeeping operation in Rwanda where rebel Rwandan Patriotic Front troops are fighting with the army and an interim government has fled." (Source: NewLN, written by JT Nguyen at the United Nations)
  • "Ambassador Colin Keating of New Zealand: "The immediate priority in Rwanda is the establishment of a cease-fire between government forces and the RPF." (Source: UNSC Meeting, April 15)

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