12 January 2000
Security Council Considering Increase in Sierra Leone Peacekeepers
(Attempt to back peace accord as Nigerian troops withdraw)(790) By Judy Aita Washington File United Nations Correspondent United Nations -- The Security Council January 12 began reviewing Secretary General Kofi Annan's request for a sizeable increase in the number of UN peacekeepers in Sierra Leone and an expansion of their responsibilities to replace the Economic Community of West African States (ECOMOG) contingent withdrawing from Nigerian. Annan has asked the Security Council to increase the size of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) from the present authorized level of 6,000 to 11,000. There are currently about 4,800 military observers and troops from 30 countries in UNAMSIL. The United Kingdom has submitted a draft resolution supporting the secretary general's request. British Ambassador Sir Jeremy Greenstock said that "we have reached a stage in the Sierra Leone operation where the Lome agreement is working, but the situation is fragile. The secretary general has recommended that UNAMSIL, the operation in Sierra Leone, needs to be expanded to some 11, 000 and the United Kingdom, which is very concerned with the operation, is very much in support in that recommendation." "We must keep this process going and make sure that the Lome accord...is brought to a final conclusion," the ambassador said. "And we are determined to do that and I get a sense that the council is determined to do that." Greenstock said that he has initiated the complicated process to get the request through the council and he will "keep going until we get an expanded UNAMSIL on the ground." If the council agrees to the increase, UNAMSIL will be the largest current UN peacekeeping operation. Asked if the United States would support the increase, US Ambassador Richard Holbrooke said that "I don't think there is any question that we're going to have to do an increase in Sierra Leone to deal with the evolution of the ECOMOG forces." Holbrooke, who is president of the council for January, has set the council's agenda as "The Month of Africa," scheduling a number of major public discussions as well as private consultations on Africa's problems throughout the month. In a written report to the council, Annan said that "the establishment and maintenance of security in the country is an essential condition for the success of the peace process in Sierra Leone. Security is indispensable for the successful execution of the program of disarmament and demobilization of ex-combatants, which could remove a threat to the stability of the country, and, at the same time, facilitate the restoration of a measure of normalcy to social and economic life in Sierra Leone." But the secretary general noted that the UN will not be able to maintain a major military presence in the country for a prolonged period of time, so the Sierra Leone government and its allies should develop "as a priority, a credible and reliable mechanism to ensure national security and thereby decrease its dependence on outside assistance. "Clearly, after more than eight years of brutal conflict, building trust and confidence will take time and will require a concerted effort by all parties in Sierra Leone parties as well as the international community," he also said. "However, the responsibility for the success of the peace process ultimately lies with the people and leaders of Sierra Leone. It is crucial, therefore, that the government of Sierra Leone take the lead in developing a comprehensive plan for the restructuring of the police and armed forces so that they will be able to safeguard fully the stability and security of the country once UNAMSIL begins its withdrawal following the elections next year," Annan said. The current authorization of UNAMSIL of up to 6,000 military personnel was considered sufficient for assisting the disarmament, demobilization and creating an acceptable level of security in the country as long as there was a strong ECOMOG presence. For UNAMSIL to take over ECOMOG's responsibilities it would also have to begin guarding weapons and ammunition turned over in the disarmament process and help in their destruction, help the government recover illegal weapons, and help ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. UNAMSIL would also be required to help in restructuring and training Sierra Leone's armed forces and train local police. The secretary general has recommended that the expanded UNAMSIL include 260 military observers, 12 infantry battalions, headquarters personnel, 2 military engineer companies, medical personnel and facilities, communications and transport units, a helicopter and aviation unit and other support elements. The engineering companies will be involved in demining and repairing essential roads, bridges, and camp facilities. Annan has also asked for an increase in the number of UN civilian police advisers from six to 60.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
