History of UNMEE and Border Conflicts
On July 31, 2000, the United Nations Security Council took significant steps toward the stability of the Horn of Africa by adopting Resolution 1312, which led to the establishment of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). The primary objective of this mission was to formally demarcate the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which had been an ongoing contentious issue. The border line was based on the decision rendered by an international commission in The Hague; however, Ethiopia, despite having initially agreed to accept the binding arbitration, later refused to comply with the ruling. This resistance intensified the tensions already prevalent in the region.
The mission set up its headquarters in two pivotal locations: Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, and Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The mission comprised a contingent of 1,676 military personnel, a considerable number of whom were from the Indian Army, totaling about 1,500 peacekeepers. In addition to military staff, the mission also employed approximately 147 international civilians, 202 local civilians, and 67 UN Volunteers, all of whom contributed to operations within a designated buffer zone of 25 kilometers (15 miles) wide on the Eritrean side of the border. Despite their efforts, the mission faced significant challenges, including 20 recorded fatalities among these personnel, highlighting the risky environment in which they operated. The approved budget for the mission during the fiscal year from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008, was $118.99 million.
The situation along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border remained precarious for years after the establishment of UNMEE, with the border remaining closed and thousands of individuals forced to live in precarious refugee camps. It is estimated that around a million people were displaced due to the conflict. In October 2005, the dynamics of the mission changed dramatically when the Eritrean government imposed restrictions on UNMEE's helicopter flights near the border and demanded the reduction of the peacekeeping force by 300 personnel. Additionally, Eritrea limited the movement of ground patrols within the buffer zone, prompting serious concerns from the international community. In light of these developments, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1640 in November 2005, threatening sanctions against both Ethiopia and Eritrea if they failed to reach a resolution.
Warnings of a potential resurgence of hostilities were pronounced in September 2007 by Kjell Magne Bondevik, the United Nations special envoy to the Horn of Africa, indicating the fragile nature of peace in the region. While Eritrea eventually accepted the border line established by the international boundary commission in November, Ethiopia continued to reject the resolution. Subsequently, in January 2008, the UN extended the peacekeepers' mandate for an additional six months and urged Eritrea to lift its fuel restrictions, which had severely hampered operational capabilities. Eritrea's refusal to comply led to a withdrawal of the 1,700 peacekeeping forces, exacerbated by continued government restrictions. In April, then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned of an imminent threat of renewed conflict if the peacekeeping mission was ceased altogether. Eritrea, concerned about the potential implications of such an outcome, called for the termination of the mission.
Ultimately, the mission was concluded on July 31, 2008, following the adoption of a UNSC resolution on July 30. By February 2008, Eritrea had effectively expelled peacekeepers from the border zone. Ethiopia’s ongoing refusal to acknowledge the binding international court ruling regarding the border and Eritrea’s actions created apprehension among analysts, who feared that this situation might establish a dangerous precedent where nations could evict UN peacekeepers. While Eritrea attempted to alleviate concerns regarding the prospect of renewed conflict, the enduring border disputes between the two nations remain a volatile issue, continuing to pose threats to regional peace and security.
UNMEE Personnel Overview
As of 30 November 2007, the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) consisted of a diverse team composed of military and civilian personnel. The mission's military complement included a total of 1,676 individuals, which comprised 1,464 troops and 212 military observers. These forces were essential in monitoring the fragile peace between the two nations following the 1998-2000 border war. In addition to the military staff, UNMEE was supported by 147 international civilians, 202 local civilians, and 67 UN volunteers, which indicated a significant level of organizational logistics and community engagement amid peacekeeping efforts.
Leadership Structure
The mission was led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission, Azouz Ennifar from Tunisia, whose role was crucial in ensuring that the objectives of the UN's peacekeeping mandate were met effectively. The Deputy Special Representatives, along with the Force Commander Major-General Mohammad Taisir Masadeh from Jordan, played pivotal roles in overseeing both civilian and military operations. Their leadership was vital in navigating the complex political and social landscapes of Ethiopia and Eritrea, as they worked diligently to foster dialogue and stability in the region.
Global Contribution to Peacekeeping
The contribution of military personnel to UNMEE came from various continents, reflecting a unified international commitment to peacekeeping efforts. While specific contributions were drawn from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, the collaboration among nations showcased a broad spectrum of support that transcended individual national interests. This diverse assembly of forces was instrumental in bolstering the peacekeeping mission, as they brought various experiences and perspectives necessary for a successful operation in such a complex geopolitical environment.
Overall, the effective combination of military presence and civilian support under the UNMEE framework was essential in facilitating long-term peace in the post-conflict scenario between Ethiopia and Eritrea, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in global peacekeeping initiatives.