Reporters: Alvin Chang
Vanishing UNAMIR and Peace
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) was a military organization established with the authority of the Security Council. However, it failed to maintain peace in Rwanda. As a result, the main topic of this meeting was expected to focus on adjusting the mandate and operational mechanisms of UNAMIR to strengthen its effectiveness.
Yet, a few days ago, when the Russian Federation raised a Moderated Caucus on the topic of "finalizing the mandate of UNAMIR," the committee expressed strong dissent on the motion, and it did not pass. Following that, the committee shifted focus to discussions on the long-term development of the African region.
The Security Council Not Working Again
There were several reasons why UNAMIR failed to complete its mission. During Session 2, African countries, including Tanzania and Nigeria, expressed their willingness to provide troops, which aligned with Resolution 872: the effort and cooperation of the OAU were welcomed. This could have been a positive development. However, as long as the decision-making process remains unresolved, no matter how strong the composition of UNAMIR is, it will never be effective or efficient. After all, the conflict is ongoing, and people in Rwanda are still dying!
What’s worse, Rwanda insisted on the principle of "Rwandan solutions to Rwandan problems" and rejected all offers of military assistance from other countries. This further complicated the effort to maintain peace in Rwanda.
Good News: Rwanda Compromised!
On 20 March 1994, intense ethnic conflict broke out, prompting the Security Council (SC) to urgently call for negotiations to resolve the crisis. Surprisingly, due to the urgency of the situation, Rwanda compromised and agreed to temporarily accept military assistance. This was an important step toward peace, or at least it should have been.
Bad News: Wrong Focus!
While Rwanda was open to military assistance, the USA brought up the issue of the decision-making process, and the Russian Federation focused on discussing the BBTG. For the record, the conflict is STILL ONGOING! A rather rational delegate, the delegate of France, questioned the suitability of the measures proposed.
In the end, the Draft Directive (DD), which contained TEMPORARILY USELESS methods, was vetoed by China, which considered the DD ineffective. The crisis remains unresolved, and the Security Council remains impotent.
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