Peacekeeping and the UN: lessons from Rwanda

Abstract

This paper assesses the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations (UN), using the 1992-94 UN peacekeeping operation in Rwanda, code named United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), as a test case. It argues that the UNAMIR could not maintain peace because it was ‘professionally disarmed’. The paper considers UNAMIR in light of three basic military professional principles – orientation to offensive or combat, command and control, and intelligence information. From the outset it should be noted that although these principles differ, they are in practice interrelated and mutually reinforcing. Here they have been separated for the purpose of clarity. Before assessing the peacekeeping operations, the paper discusses the basic objectives of the UNAMIR and the brief background of events leading to the deployment of the UNAMIR forces.