UN PASSES DARFUR PEACEKEEPING RESOLUTION

On May 16, 2006, the UN Security Council unanimously passed a resolution to speed up plans for a UN peacekeeping mission to replace the weak African Union force currently deployed in Darfur. The resolution, which was drafted by the United States, calls for the current mission to be doubled in size, and to operate under a UN mandate by the end of September. It also calls for all parties to the recent Darfur Peace Agreement to abide by their commitments, and threatens “strong and effective measures” against anyone who tries to derail the peace process.  

 

The new mandate will operate under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which will allow the UN peacekeeping force to carry out punitive measures and even military force against spoilers. China, Russia and Qatar who had been opposed to the resolution agreed to sign onto it only after they were approached by the African Union to support the action being taken on Darfur.  

 

The document also requests a joint African Union-United Nations assessment team to be sent to Darfur within a week. Upon return of team's return, the Security Council has asked that Secretary General Kofi Annan provide the members with concrete details on what the peacekeeping mission in Darfur would need – this would include a mandate, the number of troops required and projected costs.

Although the Sudanese government had previously been opposed to UN involvement in Darfur, the African Union was able to pressure Khartoum to drop its objections.  

The international community needs to closely monitor the situation in Darfur to ensure the recent Darfur Peace Agreement is implemented by both sides. In addition, they need to assist efforts to allow the safe return of millions of displaced Darfurians back to their homes. 

A stronger United Nations peacekeeping force is crucial in stopping the violence in Darfur, and the United States, European Union, African Union and leaders from the Arab and Muslim world must share this responsibility. It will require all players to step up to the plate to provide financial support to the current African Union force and the future UN peacekeeping mission.  

Updated May 18, 2006