The Response of the International Community to the Rwandan Genocide: United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR)

1. The international response to the Rwandan genocide was marked by paralysis and failure, with UNAMIR under-resourced and France, Belgium, and the US unwilling to intervene or prevent mass atrocities.
2. In this section we will focus on the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR).

The UNAMIR

1. Establishment and Mandate
   1. UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda) was established on 5 October 1993 by UN Security Council Resolution 872.
   2. Its mandate was to assist in implementing the Arusha Accords.
   3. The mission aimed to support the transitional government, ensure the security of Kigali, oversee the demobilization of forces, and provide humanitarian aid.
   4. It was a Chapter VI peacekeeping mission, requiring consent from both parties and with limited authority to use force.
2. Leadership
   1. UNAMIR was led by Canadian General Roméo Dallaire as Force Commander.
   2. Jacques-Roger Booh-Booh of Cameroon served as Head of Mission and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General.
   3. The force was to comprise 2,548 personnel, including troops, military observers, and support staff.
3. Belgian Contingent
   1. Belgium provided approximately 400 highly trained paratroopers, one of the largest and best-equipped national contingents.
   2. These troops were considered especially valuable due to Belgium’s historical ties to Rwanda and their French-language capacity, which eased communication.
4. Deployment and Daily Presence
   1. Despite UNAMIR’s shortcomings, Dallaire’s forces were stationed in key locations, including the capital.
   2. They maintained daily interactions with the Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), the RPF, political leaders, and local officials.
5. Informant Network
   1. UNAMIR developed a limited but significant network of informants.