UN Peacekeeping Force – 1994
1994
As the establishment of transitional government was delayed, the security situation deteriorated. Prominent political leaders were assassinated. It was reported that the UNAMIR escorted RPF convoy was ambushed. Under the grave security situation, the secretary general recommended that the UNAMIR should continue to support the negotiations and recommended an extension of the UNAMIR’s mandate. Accordingly, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of UNAMIR until 29 July 1994. However, on 6 April an aircraft carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana of Rwanda and President Cyprien Ntaryamira of Burundi returning from peace negotiations in Tanzania crashed at Kigali airport killing all those on board. This incident was followed by the months of genocidal violence. Due to the continuing violence and lack of acceptance of a ceasefire agreement, On 21 April 1994, the Security Council adopted Resolution 912 that reduced the strength of UNAMIR and adjusted the mandate of the UNAMIR to act as an intermediary between the parties in an attempt to secure ceasefire agreement and resume humanitarian reliefs including the security of civilians. As of early May the UNAMIR strength was 444 personnel.1
On 13 May 1994, however, the Secretary-General recommended a new mandate for UNAMIR, which increased the personnel to a total of 5,500 troops. The Security Council, adopted Resolution 918 (17 May 1994), which authorized the expansion of the UNAMIR to 5,500 troops and imposed an arms embargo on Rwanda. The objective of the UNAMIR’s expanded mandate was to promote security in all sectors of Rwanda and create conditions for return and settlement of refugees and IDPs as well as support the humanitarian response. By October, all 5,500 troops were deployed and by 15 november 80 of 90 police observers authorized for UNAMIR were deployed.2 Related to the creating climate of security in camps and facilitating the resettlement of IDPs, In this regard, the UNAMIR undertook an operation from 13 to 15 December 1994 to enhance security in the Kibeho and Ndago displaced persons camps where disruptive elements had been active.3 According to the Secretary General’s report, 60 human rights monitors were deployed in the country to monitor the condition of returning refugees and IDPs. The UNMIR also helped the government to restore its administration capacity in western zones (Source: UN Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council, S/1994/1133, 6 October 1994).