Ethiopia & Eritrea
Military observers deployed in Eritrea/Ethiopia

afrol.com, 14 September - The United Nations today began deploying the first of 46 military observers as part of its Mission to Eritrea and Ethiopia. The UN Mission confirmed the arrivals of seven military observers - four in Asmara, the Eritrean capital, and three others in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Upon completion of their deployment to the two capitals, the observers will undergo a four-day training program before being sent to operational positions in the demilitarized zones, beginning September 22.

UN military liaison offices were established at the outset of the mission in both Addis Ababa and Asmara following the decision by the Security Council to establish the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, consisting of up to 100 military observers.

The Security Council is expected to take up a resolution next week authorizing a peacekeeping mission to the region, as recommended by the Secretary-General in his most recent report.

A UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) would be composed of political, military, public information, mine action and administrative components, and would include a mechanism for the coordination of its activities with those of the humanitarian community. UNMEE’s area of operations would be composed of the temporary security zone and areas adjacent to it.

UNMEE peacekeepers would also get involved in the humanitarian work. A report by the UN Secretary-General notes that the renewed hostilities in May 2000 generated three new categories of vulnerable people in need of humanitarian assistance: Ethiopian nationals separated from their homes in Ethiopia during the war who moved to displaced persons camps in Eritrea; Ethiopian nationals resident in Eritrea prior to May 2000 who are being repatriated to Tigray; and Eritrean and other third- country nationals who have sought asylum in Ethiopia as refugees. 

In Ethiopia, the severe drought has caused significant migrations, increased malnutrition, large livestock losses, a higher incidence of diseases and an increase in the overall vulnerability of the rural population. As of early July 2000, the Government of Ethiopia estimated that over 10 million people were in need of emergency food assistance. 

Given the difficult terrain and weather conditions, the significant length of the temporary security zone from East to West and the requirement that the parties be confident that the area is effectively monitored, a combination of military observers and formed troops would be required to carry out the mission's task. It is estimated that UNMEE would require a total military strength of 4,200 personnel, including 220 military observers, three infantry battalions and the necessary support units. 

To ensure effective implementation of the mandate of UNMEE, the special representative and force commander would maintain offices at Asmara and Addis Ababa. Regional headquarters would also be established in Eritrea, at Mendefera, and in Ethiopia, at Mekele.

Source: UN

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