United Nations Prepares to Deploy Expanded Rwandan Peacekeeping Force

The United Nations is nearing recruitment of the troops required for an expanded peacekeeping operation in Rwanda, with the Clinton Administration giving its consent to the deployment. The new force, comprising mainly African troops, will have the task of protecting displaced people inside Rwanda as well as relief workers aiding them. The Security Council resolution, prepared by the United States and circulated to members, outlines the force's objectives and limitations. Senior United Nations officials have been promised most of the 5,500 troops needed for the operation, with the exception of technical units such as engineers, maintenance staff, and logistical experts.

Key Takeaways:

• The Clinton Administration has given its consent to the deployment of the expanded Rwandan peacekeeping force, following the recruitment of 5,500 troops.
• The new force will be responsible for protecting displaced people inside Rwanda and relief workers aiding them, but will not act as a buffer between the Rwanda Patriotic Front and the Rwandan Government forces.
• The force will attempt to fly into the capital, Kigali, to reinforce the existing United Nations force and then move into the center of the country, where the largest concentrations of endangered civilians are believed to be.
• Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Congo, Mali, and Nigeria have offered troops for the new force, with the United States and South Africa providing armored vehicles.
• Canada is expected to provide communications equipment, while Italy, the Netherlands, and Russia are sending aircraft and helicopters.
• The United Nations still requires engineering, maintenance, logistical, and medical units to complete the force.

Statistics:

• 5,500 troops have been promised for the Rwanda military operation.
• 4,000 troops have been offered by Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Congo, Mali, and Nigeria combined.
• 2 battalions of infantry troops have been offered by Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.
• 3 companies of troops have been promised by Congo, Mali, and Nigeria.
• 1 battalion of infantry troops is still required to complete the force.

Sources:

• "U.N. Nears Recruitment Goal for Expanded Rwanda Peacekeeping Force" by Reuters, undated
• "U.S. and U.N. in Rift Over Rwanda Peacekeeping" by Times of London, undated