Other Peacekeeping-Related Actions - Brief Article

UN Chronicle, Winter, 1999

Afghanistan: On 14 November, Security Council resolution 1267 (1999) went into effect, imposing limited sanctions against Afghanistan's Taliban. The Council further demanded that the parties, especially the Taliban, resume negotiations under UN auspices. On 20 October, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, announced the suspension of his involvement in Afghanistan due to an "inability to move forward" on peace talks.

Angola: On 15 October, the Security Council established the United Nations Office in Angola (UNOA) until 15 April 2000. The Office will assist the Angolan people in capacity-building, provide humanitarian assistance, promote human rights and coordinate other activities. The Council also decided that the UN Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Unit (UNCAH) would continue to operate in its present configuration. On 2 November, UNHCR said that an increasing number of Angolans were fleeing the civil war to Zambia because they were being used as human shields by retreating UNITA rebels fearful of government air strikes.

Burundi: On 1 December, former South African President Nelson Mandela replaced the late former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere as the Facilitator for the Burundi peace talks. Following the killing of two United Nations aid workers on 12 October, the Council on 12 November called on all sides to stop the violence and pursue talks toward a peaceful settlement.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: On 30 November, the Security Council established the United Nations Observer Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). The Mission will establish contacts with the signatories of the Lusaka. Ceasefire Agreement and provide technical assistance in the implementation of the ceasefire, including monitoring security conditions. MONUC will also provide liaison services to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and assist in the protection of human rights. The Mission will be initially equipped with up to 500 UN military observer to facilitate future UN deployments.

Iraq: On 17 December, the Security Council adopted, by a vote of 11 to none, with 4 abstentions resolution 1284 (1999), creating a new weapons monitoring system and enabling the suspension of economic sanctions against Iraq. The suspension of sanctions depends on Iraq's cooperation with the UN monitoring system and will be reviewed every 120 days. The UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) replaces the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM). The resolution also lifts the cap on the amount of oil Iraq is allowed to sell under the "oil-for-food" programme, currently set at $5.26 billion worth of oil every six months.

Sierra Leone: On 22 October, the Security Council established the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to assist in the implementation of the Lome Peace Agreement. It also authorized the Mission to use force, if necessary, to ensure its security and protect civilians under imminent threat of violence. Replacing the UN Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL), UNAMSIL will monitor adherence to the ceasefire, and its 6,000 military personnel will help the Government disarm, demobilize and reintegrate some 45,000 ex-combatants. On 8 November, the Council expressed concern at recent violations of the Peace Agreement and urged all parties to enter the disarmament process.

Preventing Armed Conflict: On 30 November, the Security Council outlined measures for preventing armed conflict, focusing in particular on targeted sanctions, preventive deployment missions, demilitarized zones and preventive disarmament, as well as combatting the proliferation of small arms and encouraging the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants. Emphasizing the important role of the Secretary-General in preventing armed conflicts, the Council also acknowledged the preventive role of regional organizations cooperating with the United Nations.

Progress Report on Africa: On 25 September, the Secretary-General released his progress report on implementation of the recommendations contained in the report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. Issued on 13 April 1998, the report attracted wide interest and a "very encouraging response" from all sides.

Rwanda Inquiry: On 16 December, Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed "deep remorse" over the United Nations failure to prevent the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. He accepted the findings of the independent inquiry, headed by former Swedish Prime Minister Ingvar Carlson, which he had commissioned to look into the UN's actions during the genocide in Rwanda. The panel concluded that the failure to stop the genocide was shared by the UN as a whole, including the Secretariat, the Security Council and Member States. The Secretary-General reiterated his strong commitment to making sure the United Nations never again falters in stopping mass slaughter.