The Mission Monitor provides factual information on current UN and other missions, including summaries of key changes and developments.
ISSUE 2 - SPRING 2008
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The AU currently manages one mission, the AU Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). Given its lack of resources and ongoing struggle to find troop and police contributors, it is urging the UN to consider the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force to the country. The UN is not opposed to the idea, however, the absence of a peace process constitutes a major impediment.
On 16 April 2008, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1809, calling on the UN and AU to jointly identify the capacities needed to enhance peace and security in Africa and to propose recommendations on ways that the AU can further develop and strengthen its capabilities. The effort aims at improving the knowledge and understanding of the state of peace and security in Africa.
- AMISOM (SOMALIA)
On 18 January, the AU Peace and Security Council adopted extended the mandate of its mission to Somalia for an additional six months until 18 July 2008. On 20 February, the UN Security Council welcomed the AU PSC Communiqué and adopted Resolution 1801 extending the authorization of the AU Mission in Somalia until 20 August 2008.
The Security Council has been reviewing a proposal to send a UN-mandated multinational peacekeeping force to Somalia that would take over from the African Union force (AMISOM) currently operating in the country. The Secretary-General has also stated that he would be ready to recommend a 27,000-strong force to the country, provided certain conditions are met, including a ceasefire agreement and peace process. According to the Secretary-General, the required force consists of between 15 and 21 infantry battalions and could cost up to $817.5 million per year. - UNAMID (DARFUR, SUDAN)
As the conflict in Darfur will soon enter its sixth year, peace remains unlikely, at least in the immediate future. In February, UN officials reported new aerial bombings in western Darfur that are endangering thousands of civilians. In April, UNAMID police was attacked by gunmen for the first time since the mission began its operations on December 31, 2007.
Almost four months after the inauguration of UNAMID, the force is far from its full capacity with less than 1/3 of the authorized 26,000 deployed. The lack of helicopters remains a major challenge to the deployment as well as transportation of UN and AU personnel on the ground.
Ethiopia has pledged to send 5000 soldiers to Darfur
The EU currently manages 12 military and civilian crisis management missions including 1 planning team. Two missions have been created since January 2008: an EU Mission in Support of Security Sector Reform in Guinea-Bissau and an EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. Both EU support missions to Darfur and Somalia ended at the end of December 2007.
- EUFOR Althea (BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA)
Major-General Ignacio Martin Villalain of Spain was appointed Commander of EUFOR Althea on 4 December 2007. The EU operation will remain in the region as long as necessary. - EU SSR (GUINEA-BISSAU)
On 26 February 2008, the EU launched a new Security Sector Reform mission in Guinea-Bissau. The mission, which is in the planning phase, is set to begin implementation on 1 May 2008 and is authorized for a period of 12 months from the time it declares operational capacity. The mission is mandated to advise and assist on SSR in helping to create conditions for implementing the National Security Sector Reform Strategy. Its authorized strength is of about 15 military and civilian advisers in the fields of armed forces, police and justice, as well as support staff. - EULEX KOSOVO
On 17 February, the Assembly of Kosovo declared Kosovo an independent and sovereign State.
On 4 February 2008, the EU passed Joint Council Action 124 establishing a European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX KOSOVO). The mission expires 28 months from the date of approval of the Operational Plan by the European Council. Once approved, UNMIK will begin transferring authority to EULEX Kosovo. EUPT Kosovo will be overseeing the initial planning and preparation of the mission. - EUPT KOSOVO
EUPT Kosovo is in charge of developing the Operation Plan (OPLAN), including a risk assessment and security plan, for EULEX Kosovo. Once complete, the European Council will need to approve the OPLAN and agree to launch the mission. - EUFOR CHAD/CAR
After several months of preparation and delay, the UN (MINURCAT) and EU (EUFOR TCHAD/RCA) operations in Chad and the Central African Republic have finally begun their operations.
Fighting broke out in early February between Chadian rebel forces and the government causing further delay. It is estimated that 30,000 people crossed the border from Chad into Cameroon as a result of the fighting.
EU military operation in Chad and the CAR reached its initial operational capability on 15 March 2009 and will remain operational for 12 months. Current troop strength consists of 1,809 troops from four EU countries (Belgium, France, Ireland, and Sweden). The EU suffered its first casualty as part of its EUFOR mission on 3 March 2008; the soldier died while conducting a reconnaissance mission.
NATO member countries met in Bucharest on 2-4 April 2008, known as the Bucharest Summit, to discuss key issues on the Organisation’s political and security agenda. Members reaffirmed their commitments to Afghanistan and Kosovo and pledged continued support to African Union peacekeeping.
Members also agreed on the need to develop closer relations with the UN and EU, to improve coordination of international efforts, and to implement a comprehensive approach to international security challenges.
- KFOR (KOSOVO)
On 17 February, the Assembly of Kosovo declared Kosovo an independent and sovereign State. - ISAF (AFGHANISTAN)
A total of 3,500 U.S. Marines are being deployed to southern Afghanistan for a period of seven months in a partial response to ISAF’s identified shortfall of 7,500 troops. Following the Bucharest Summit, several NATO members also pledged an additional 2,000 to 2,500 troops including France, Poland and Georgia.
On 20 March 2008, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1806 extending the mandate of UNAMA until 23 March 2009. The Resolution also establishes a new role for UNAMA and its SRSG, that is, to lead the international civilian efforts in Afghanistan by, among other things, promoting coherence among international efforts, strengthening cooperation with ISAF, and coordinate and support the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The UN currently manages 20 missions worldwide with a total of 111,649 personnel deployed. One of the key priorities of the UN Secretary-General is of improving coordination amongst international actors and of strengthening the effectiveness of efforts being delivered. Greater emphasis is being put on regional organisations, including the development of sustainable partnerships.
- BINUB (BURUNDI)
On 19 December 2007, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1791 extending the mandate of BINUB until 31 December 2008. - MINURCAT (CHAD/CAR)
The new UN mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, named MINURCAT, was approved by Security Council Resolution 1778 on 25 September 2007 for a period of 12 months. - MINUSTAH (HAITI)
Rising food prices, combined with high living costs and a lack of jobs led to a series of nationwide protests. While blame is directed at the government, the principal target has been UN personnel and installations. To date, nine UN peacekeepers have been wounded and one was killed. - MONUC (DRC)
In his latest report to the Security Council, the UN Secretary-General warns that the resources of MONUC are “stretched to the limit” and could lead to increased risks in areas where tensions are already high. The mission’s current strength is not adequate to fulfill its expected role and mandated tasks. - UNAMA (AFGHANISTAN)
Kai Eide, the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), has been appointed as the new UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan. His top priority over the coming months will be to improve coordination among and efficiency of international efforts. - UNAMID (DARFUR)
As the conflict in Darfur will soon enter its sixth year, peace remains unlikely, at least in the immediate future. In February, UN officials reported new aerial bombings in western Darfur that are endangering thousands of civilians. In April, UNAMID police was attacked by gunmen for the first time since the mission began its operations on December 31, 2007.
Almost four months after the inauguration of UNAMID, the force is far from its full capacity with less than 1/3 of the authorized 26,000 deployed. The lack of helicopters remains a major challenge to the deployment as well as transportation of UN and AU personnel on the ground.
Ethiopia has pledged to send 5000 soldiers to Darfur. - UNDOF (GOLAN HEIGHTS)
On 14 December 2007, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1788 extending the mandate of UNDOF until 31 June 2008. - UNFICYP (CYPRUS)
On 14 December 2007, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1789 extending the mandate of UNFICYP until 15 June 2008. - UNIFIL (LEBANON)
On 24 August 2007, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1773 extending the mandate of UNIFIL until 31 August 2008.
Indonesia plans to contribute 850 peacekeepers to the UN mission. - UNMEE (ETHIOPIA & ERITREA)
On 30 January, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1798 extending the mandate of UNMEEI until 31 July 2008.
The UN Secretary-General is warning that a new war could break out between Eritrea and Ethiopia if UN peacekeepers withdraw completely from the area. On 11 February, the Secretary-General ordered UN troops to temporarily pull out from the Eritrean side of the border, because of restrictions imposed by the Eritrean government which reduced peacekeepers’ ability to conduct operations and put their lives at risk. As tensions continue, Ethiopia has since stated that it would not accept peacekeepers on its side of the border alone. If the UN is not allowed to resume its activities on the Eritrean side, the Secretary-General warns that the peacekeeping mission (worth $113 million annually) could be terminated.
In a special report on UNMEE, dated 11 April 2008, the UN Secretary-General identified four options for the future of the mission; however, none are ideal as all involve some risks and would likely not resolve current tensions. The options include ending the mission altogether, resuming the mission as is with full cooperation by Eritrea, deploying a small observer mission to the border to reduce tensions, and finally, setting up liaison offices in the capitals of each country to help both parties implement the peace agreement signed in 2000. The next report, which will be submitted before 31 July, will include details of the Secretary-General’s ongoing consultations with all the parties. - UNMIK (KOSOVO)
Unless otherwise noted by the Security Council, the UN mission in Kosovo will continue its activities as per the mandate set out in Resolution 1244 (1999). - UNMIL (LIBERIA)
In 2007, the UN’s first all-female contingent, a Formed Police Unit from India, deployed to Liberia as part of the UN peacekeeping mission. Given the unit’s success, the UN decided to deploy a second Indian all-female contingent, the latter of which has been in Liberia for several months now. The all-woman units are inspiring Liberian women to take part in their country’s reconstruction. The presence of female officers has also inspired Liberian women to join the police force and contribute to the country’s overall security. - UNMIS (SUDAN)
UNMIS Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jasbir Lidder has completed his term as Force Commander of UNMIS. He held the position from January 2006 to April 2008. - UNMIT (TIMOR-LESTE)
On 25 February 2008, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1802 extending the mandate of UNMIT until 26 February 2009, arguing that the humanitarian situation in the country remained fragile. The resolution further condemned attempts to assassinate East Timorese President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta in early February. - UNOCI (CÔTE D’IVOIRE)
On 15 January, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1795 extending the mandate of UNOCI until 30 July 2008. - UNOMIG (GEORGIA)
On 15 April 2008, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1808 extending the mandate of UNOMIG until 15 October 2008.
Other
- MNF (IRAQ)
On 18 December 2007, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1790 extending the mandate of the multinational force in Iraq until 31 December 2008.
The civilian death toll rose in February, despite security gains in lat 2007. The security situation also deteriorated along the border between Iraq and Turkey, following a Turkish air and ground campaign against Kurdish insurgents.
The negotiations between the US and Iraqi government regarding a long-term US military presence in Iraq will conclude in July. However, in the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the MNF-I will likely be extended passed its current deadline of December 2008.
Given the PPC’s interagency and integrated focus, the Mission Monitor concentrates on multilateral United Nations Security Council-authorized missions under Chapter VI, VII, or VIII of the UN Charter. The term ‘missions,’ as it is used here, refers to peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and reconstruction and stability operations. While we do not include political missions in this understanding, a list of UN Political and Peacebuilding missions is provided for each continent.
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WINTER 2008 (complete PDF)