BREAKING: Historical Security Council of 1994 Faces Crisis in Rwanda
- On Nov 24th 11:08 (April 19th-1994)
- The Rwandan President has died after the plane he was in crashed in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali. The ex-president and ex-military officials loyal to him are responsible for the crash. The missile which ultimately took down the plane was shot from the airport in Kigali. The UNOFOR leader, Prime Minister Madame Agate, and peacekeepers from Belgium have been killed by Hutu militia. Belgium has said they will have all the people out by 19 April.
- The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) stated that it supports a multi ethnic state, but most of its support comes from Tutsis. The RPF also stated that the Arusha Accords aren’t in effect.
- The Rwandan capital is facing attacks and the airport is under control of UNAMIR.
- It was stated that the recently deceased president was representative of the Hutus.
- The RPF has stated they are getting their weapons from seized Rwandan government army supply depots. They have been attacking supporters of the Arusha Accords and of the late president.
- (Historical Security Council of 1994, 24 November, 11:20pm)
- Nov. 24th: 11:20
- Following the update from the Secretary-General, the Security Council has set the agenda to the crisis in Rwanda.
- Rwanda has asked for a “swift and just” solution. The United States questions the benefits of Safe Zones considering the death of peacekeepers in Rwanda.
- The United Kingdom alongside other Representatives encouraged the committee to release a press statement.
- The Representative of France has shared that anything less than the establishment of a Safe Zone would not adequately address the issue.
- The United States questions how the RPF could’ve shot down the presidential plane with a missile seeing as they did not have the military capability present in the area. Rwanda responded stating that “it only takes one missile or RPG”
- Djibouti criticized fellow Member States for questioning the honesty and motives of the Rwandan duly elected government.
- Nov. 24th: 11:45
- The Representative of Pakistan pushes the Security Council to consider a potential press statement.
- The Representative of Nigeria raises concerns about France’s statement that they would militarily intervene in Rwanda.
- Rwanda has stated they are open to more humanitarian aid and support for civilians alongside increases in peace keeper allocations. In a statement to the body, the Representative of Rwanda said, “If France intervenes without the Council’s approval, Nigeria will request an emergency meeting under Article 35 and place on record that France is conducting military intervention that is in breach of Rwandan sovereignty.”
- Nov 25: 12:26 am (April 24th, 1994)
- Belgian peacekeepers and French soldiers have vacated the area; there are 2,000 United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda peacekeepers left.
- Up to 20 percent of the population of Rwanda is displaced, with the Humans Rights Watch estimating 100,000 deaths. The Belgian branch of Doctors Without Borders estimates closer to 200,000.
- The RPF released a statement saying they would attack any UN intervention that attempts to support the “extremist Houthi government” which is responsible for the massacres.
- The RPF have reached the outskirts of Kigali. There are about 12,000 individuals taking shelter in a stadium.
- Countries neighboring Rwanda have urged the Security Council to act swiftly to restore order
- A Representative from Rwanda said, “We support the peace the Arusha Accords brought to our citizens, but we do think the Arusha Peace Accord are not feasible at this time”
- The Security Council is moving towards utilizing aircraft to rescue trapped civilians, though they face concerns around the logistics of such actions as a result of the lack of security available at the airport.
- The deceased Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana has been greatly grieved according to the Rwandan representative.
- The Rwandan Representative said, “Our main objectives right now are probably to get humanitarian aid, get more peace keepers on the ground to stabilize the region and defend our capital at all cost”
- Rwanda is hoping to gain support with their objectives from the Security Council and appreciates any contributions.
- Nov 25: 12:26 am (April 24th, 1994)
- Oman and Brazil release the following statement to the international press:
- “Both the delegations of Brazil and Oman strongly condemn all violence and aggression occurring in Rwanda as a result of the death of former President Juvénal Habyarimana. We strongly urge all participating parties to immediately cease all acts of violence and aggression. We would like to reiterate that we are not in support of any acts of violence against any and all civilians and members of all political parties. We hope to soon find peace in Rwanda and are working diligently with all member states to come to a peaceful ending to this situation.”
- Oman and Brazil release the following statement to the international press:
- 1:17 (April 26 1994)
- UNAMIR shares that the RPF has resumed its attacks on Kigali focusing on the airport. Due to the length of needed negotiations, only two planes are allowed to land per day.
- The Representative of Oman has gotten approval to host peace talks with Security Council approval. These peace talks would be mediated by Omani officials.
- The Representative of Pakistan has urged fellow Member States to provide the necessary aid to Rwanda. The Representative from Pakistan specifically called on the P5 to act.
- The Rwandan Representative does not believe that the RPF will attend peace talks given their strong political position and tactical advantage.
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