UN toughens Sierra Leone mandate

Sierra Leone hosts the largest UN peacekeeping force

The UN Security Council has voted unanimously to strengthen the mandate and resources of the 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone.

But the measure stops short of ordering an increase in the number of troops, which had been urgently requested by the commander of the United Nations force in Sierra Leone (Unamsil), despite signs of a change in United States' policy on the issue.

The UN has set new priorities for the Sierra Leone force

The resolution, which renews the mandate before it expires on Monday, asks UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to make recommendations as soon as possible for restructuring Unamsil.

In May, Mr Annan had recommended that the force be increased to 16,500 troops to help the Sierra Leone Government regain territory controlled by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), but now says he wants to reconsider the figure.

US rethink

The US had opposed any increase in the number of troops, arguing that 13,000 troops were sufficient, if they were better equipped and if the mission was restructured to deal with rebel hostilities.

General Jetley: Wants "many more" troops

But after Friday's vote, US deputy ambassador Nancy Soderberg indicated a change of American policy.

"It is our expectation and intention to support, after close examination of the details, the request for strengthening Unamsil that we expect to receive from the secretary-general."

She said consultations were already under way with Congress on the issue.

The US contributes no troops to the Unamsil force, but it pays 30% of the cost of all UN peacekeeping operations.

Unamsil Major General Vijay Jetley had told the UN Security Council on Thursday that he needed "many more" troops to bolster defences against heavily-armed rebels.

Priorities

The Unamsil troops were criticised for being poorly trained and equipped, when some 500 of them were taken captive by the RUF in May.

The initial 6,000-strong force was sent to help implement a July 1999 ceasefire signed by the government and rebels.

It was mandated to take "necessary action" to self-defence and to protect and civilians under immediate threat of physical violence.

The extended mandate - which continues until 8 September - details "priority tasks", including deterring the threat of RUF attacks "by responding robustly to any hostile actions or threats of imminent and direct use of force".

The new resolution also calls on Unamsil to maintain the security of the areas around the capital, Freetown, and the international airport at Lungi.

Unamsil should also promote a programme of disarmament and demobilisation of rebel troops.

To facilitate these tasks, the resolution calls for accelerated troop rotations, increased use of aviation and maritime units, a strengthened reserve force, and improved communications and logistics equipment.