[Associated Press] UNHSC- France Gets Its Wish to Lead Rwanda Mission in New Security Council Draft Resolution, Leak Reveals U.S Proposes UNAMIR Withdrawal

Tensions persist in the U.N. Security Council as member states remain divided over France’s role in the international response to the Rwandan conflict. The latest draft resolution includes a clause granting France leadership of the mission, a role they have been fighting for throughout the committee sessions, provided it works in coordination with regional leadership. The proposal aims to project cooperation and avoid accusations of neocolonialism, but skepticism continues to dominate the discussion.

Delegates from Argentina, Nigeria, and Pakistan expressed particular concern over France’s leadership role, citing its colonial history and fears of potential overreach. “I’m not a fan that France gets the leadership because it is a former colonial power, but we need France’s approval to move forward,” Argentina’s delegate disclosed to AP. The divisions come as negotiations intensify over troop numbers.

According to current proposals, the French-led support mission would consist of 5,000 troops, made up of 50 percent French forces and 50 percent from other nations. France is calling for at least 2,500 of its own troops to be on the ground. Combined with the UN’s proposed resupply of UNAMIR, the total international presence in Rwanda could rise to 10,000 personnel.

Regarding the number of UNAMIR troops, an anonymous tip to AP reveals the U.S. is working on proposals for a complete withdrawal of UNAMIR forces, a move that, according to several delegates and General Dellaire, would amount to abandoning Rwandans to certain death. Multiple non-permanent Security Council members have expressed alarm at what they view as a political deadlock driven by the US, and France, both of whom appear more focused on advancing their national interests than on addressing the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, the UK has sought to act as an intermediary between US and France, but is accused of sowing division within the Council.

As the talks continue, it is yet to be seen what will come of the troops and France's position in the final resolution. Some delegates argue that France’s demands are excessive, with China’s representative warning, “At some point, you have to compromise.” Meanwhile, France continues to assert its readiness to act with or without full Council approval, threatening that it will use its veto power if the resolution does not align with its preferences. However, it may turn out that the real obstacle in ratifying a resolution in today’s meeting is not France, but rather the U.S proposals to withdraw UNAMIR.