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United Nations

US Recognizes Rwandan Patriotic Front-Led Government

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United States has recognized the Rwandan Patriotic Front-led government in Kigali, as several African nations and the US prepare to send forces to the war-torn country. The move comes as hundreds of thousands of refugees in neighboring countries face a dire humanitarian crisis, with many threatened by an epidemic of cholera. The US has pledged $320 million in aid for Rwanda and is considering dispatching troops to assist with relief efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has recognized the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) as the legitimate Rwandan government, with the RPF-led government exercising effective control in Rwanda.
  • The US is sending 200 troops to Rwanda to open and operate an airfield in Kigali, with the RPF's blessing.
  • President Clinton has appealed to Congress to quickly approve $320 million more in aid for Rwanda, with a possibility of dispatching US troops to assist with relief efforts.
  • African nations are moving to replace French troops withdrawing from Rwanda, with Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tunisia expected to deploy troops in the coming weeks.
  • The US is encouraging four Francophone African countries to allow their troops to stay on after France's withdrawal and merge with the UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR).
  • The above deployments would constitute 2,715 new UNAMIR troops, in addition to the African troops, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom have planned to deploy their own troops to Rwanda.
  • Assistant Secretary of State George Moose will travel to Rwanda this weekend to meet with RPF leaders, discuss the need for a broad-based government, and explore ways to provide humanitarian assistance.

Statistics:

  • 200 US troops will be sent to Rwanda to open and operate an airfield in Kigali.
  • $320 million in US aid has been pledged to Rwanda.
  • 2,715 (2,500 + 200-250) UNAMIR troops (new deployments) will be stationed in Rwanda.
  • 3 million Rwandan refugees are currently living in neighboring countries.
  • 180-200 French soldiers withdrew from Rwanda on July 29.
  • August 3 is the expected deployment date for an Ethiopian advance team.
  • August 6 is the expected deployment date for a Canadian communications battalion, an Australian medical unit, and a security unit.
  • The remainder of the French troops will be withdrawn by Aug. 22.

Sources:

  • State Department spokesman David Johnson
  • US State Department
  • President Clinton
  • UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR)
  • Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the US.

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