UN Security Council Sets Conditions for Extension of Peacekeeping Mandate in Liberia

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Security Council has set strict conditions for the extension of the mandate of UN peacekeepers in Liberia beyond a new Sept. 15 deadline. The council warned that unless concrete steps are taken by the warring factions to implement a peace agreement, it will withdraw UN troops after that date. The decision comes as Liberia has been embroiled in a five-year civil war, despite efforts from the international community to stop the fighting between factions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has set a Sept. 15 deadline for the extension of the UN peacekeeping mandate in Liberia, warning that unless concrete steps are taken to implement a peace agreement, it will withdraw UN troops.
  • The council has urged the Liberian parties to use the next three months to make serious and substantial progress towards implementation of the Akosombo and Accra Agreements.
  • The parties were asked to agree on the installation of a council of state, re-establishment of a comprehensive and effective cease-fire, disengagement of all forces, and creation of a timetable for the implementation of the various aspects in the agreements.
  • UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali recommended the extension of UNOMIL's (United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia) mandate for three months, hoping that "during this period the parties will reach an agreement on the outstanding issues".
  • The council emphasized the need for the parties to disarm.

Statistics:

  • Five years of civil war in Liberia despite efforts from the international community to stop the fighting between factions.
  • The UN Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) has been in operation since...
  • The deadline for the extension of the UN peacekeeping mandate is Sept. 15.
  • The council has asked the Liberian warring factions to agree on the installation of a council of state, re-establishment of a comprehensive and effective cease-fire, disengagement of all forces, and creation of a timetable for the implementation of the various aspects in the agreements.

Sources:

  • "The New York Times", June 30
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution 750 (1992) (the original text does not provide a specific date; the resolution was adopted on April 28, 1992)
  • UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's statement to the Security Council (no specific date mentioned in the original text)
  • "West African States Summit Declaration on Liberia" (no specific date mentioned in the original text)