Originally published on the CGS blog on August 2, 2007.
The resolution approved by the UN Security Council on Wednesday to send peacekeepers to Darfur has been hailed as an extremely positive step forward for the strife-ridden region of western Sudan. This resolution seeks to bolster the current African Union (AU) mission in the region but also creates a hybrid force, adding up to 26,000 UN peacekeepers to the 7,000 strong AU contingent. Obviously this in itself is a great first step, but the fact that the Security Council was able to pass the resolution unanimously with the key support of China is extremely encouraging. China is Sudan’s biggest supplier of arms and main oil customer, which has previously been a thorn in the side of any efforts made to pressure the Sudanese government into ending the genocide in Darfur.
“This is the result of concerted effort and should be fully recognised and encouraged,” Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said just hours after the UN vote mandating the 26,000-strong force.
Another encouraging development is that a large percentage of the UN force is expected to come from other African nations that have pledged their support, such as Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Egypt, Cameroon and Ethiopia. Senegal is also considering committing troops so long as they are able to defend themselves under the approved mandate.
Although the mandate was ultimately watered down and will no longer permit troops to seize illegal arms, peacekeepers will be allowed to use force to protect civilians and the world’s biggest aid operation. However, there is still concern due to no threat of sanctions if Sudan fails to cooperate.
Troops will also not be permitted to pursue alleged war criminals sought by the ICC.
