US Forces Deployed to Rwanda to Assist in Humanitarian Crisis

Strategic Insights -

US forces numbering approximately 200 were deployed to Kigali airport in Rwanda to assist the UN Commission on Human Rights in setting up an efficient distribution network for humanitarian relief support to Rwandans. The deployment, part of Operation Support Hope, aims to establish a logistics coordination center, provide airfield services, cargo handling, and security at the airport. This effort is supported by forces from Australia and the UK, and follows a fragile peace agreement between Rwandan Government Forces (RGF) and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in August 1993.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rwandan government fell in early July 1994, and the RPF assumed power in Kigali, establishing a multi-party government.
  • An estimated 2.1 million Rwandan refugees have fled to neighboring countries, and 2.6 million persons are internally displaced, with the UNHCR estimating that a further 2.6 million persons are internally displaced.
  • The US has directed the expansion of capabilities at the Kigali airport to support the UNHCR relief operation, with the goal of drawing Rwandans back to their homes and reducing the risk of disease, starvation, and dehydration.
  • Other forces from Australia and the UK are committed to this effort in Kigali, with a total of approximately 200 US forces deployed, along with 200 from other nations.
  • US forces are involved in negotiations with the new government in Rwanda to promote objectives such as broadening the government's political base and respecting the rule of law.
  • The US will remain in Rwanda only as long as necessary to assist in establishing an effective distribution mechanism for humanitarian relief support.
  • Prolonged operations are not expected, and US forces are not intending to become involved in hostilities, but rather to provide force protection and security of the Kigali airport.