UN's Operation in the Congo: Limited Impact?
TITLE
‘The United Nations’ Operation in the Congo had limited effect.
ESSAY
The United Nations' Operation in the Congo, also known as ONUC, was established in response to the political and social unrest that followed the Congo's independence from Belgium in 1960. While the operation aimed to restore and maintain the country's independence and territorial integrity, it faced numerous challenges and limitations that ultimately limited its effectiveness.
One of the key limitations of ONUC was its poor organization and lack of impartiality. UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld failed to include African experts in his team, which hindered the operation's understanding of the local dynamics and complexities. This lack of expertise and understanding undermined the UN's ability to effectively address the root causes of the conflict and find sustainable solutions.
Furthermore, the UN's decision to take sides in the conflict by supporting Moise Tshombe and the secessionist province of Katanga raised questions about its impartiality. The UN failed to take a firm stance against Belgium, which had troops present in Katanga, and refused to end the secession. This lack of decisive action further undermined the UN's credibility and limited its ability to restore peace and stability in the Congo.
Another limitation of ONUC was the refusal of key countries, such as the USSR, France, and Belgium, to pay their part of the operation's cost. This financial burden hindered the UN's ability to effectively carry out its mission and provide the necessary resources and support to the Congolese government. The lack of financial support from these countries also highlighted the limited international commitment to the operation, further undermining its effectiveness.
Additionally, the UN's inability to intervene in the internal matters of the country, as stated in its resolution, limited its ability to prevent the escalation of violence and protect the Congolese population. This was evident in the case of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, who sought UN military support but was refused. Lumumba's subsequent dismissal and murder by mercenaries highlighted the UN's inability to effectively protect key political figures and prevent further destabilization.
Despite these limitations, it can be argued that ONUC ultimately had a positive impact. Following Lumumba's death, the Security Council allowed the UN army to use force to prevent a civil war from occurring. The United States played a crucial role in ensuring the election of Cyrille Adoula as prime minister, who prioritized the reunification of the country. The UN's use of force, along with the support of the Americans, eventually forced Tshombe to flee and brought stability to the Congo.
In conclusion, while the United Nations' Operation in the Congo faced numerous challenges and limitations, it can be argued that it had a limited but ultimately positive effect. The operation's poor organization, lack of impartiality, and financial constraints hindered its ability to effectively address the conflict. However, through the use of force and international support, the UN was able to prevent a civil war, reunite the country, and restore political stability.
SUBJECT
HISTORY
PAPER
A Level
NOTES
‘The United Nations’ Operation in the Congo had limited effect.’ Discuss this view. On 30 June 1960, the Congo gained its independence from Belgium with Joseph Kasavubu and Patrice Lumumba becoming President and Prime Minister respectively. Five days later, a military mutiny and civil unrest occurred. Belgian paratroopers intervened; Lumumba requested their removal, but the Belgians refused. The Congolese government appealed to the UN and a resolution was passed on calling for Belgian withdrawal. A peace-keeping force, the UN Operation in the Congo (ONUC), was established. Its task was to help the Congolese Government restore and maintain the political independence and territorial integrity of the Congo and to help maintain law and order. However, poor organisation, the failure to remain impartial and poor decisions all limited the impact of this force. UN Secretary General, Dag Hammarskjöld, failed to include African experts in his team. Even when the crisis was over the USSR, France and Belgium refused to pay their part of the cost of the operation. Hammarskjöld’s involvement was criticised as it was felt that he supported Tshombe and the fact that the UN had taken sides in an effort to bring peace to the Congo was questioned. On 11 July the Province of Katanga had seceded and formed a separate state under Moise Tshombe. Katanga had vast mineral wealth and Belgian troops were present there. The UN failed to take a firm stance against Belgium and refused to end the Katanga secession. On 8 August, a UN resolution was passed allowing the ONUC soldiers to remove the Belgian troops in Katanga but Belgian officers under the direct control of Katanga remained. The UN stated that it could not intervene in the internal matters of a country. Lumumba demanded UN military support from Hammarskjӧld and sought US assistance both of which were refused. He asked the USSR for help. This increased antagonism from the West because of Cold War hostility. The Soviets provided military equipment and Lumumba launched a failed attack on Katanga. He was then dismissed by Kasavubu who appointed Colonel Mobutu, as the new Prime Minister. Lumumba set up a rival government in Stanleyville, but he was murdered by mercenaries. The UN could do nothing as it had agreed not to take sides; a vicious civil war seemed a real possibility. The UN up to this point had done little to achieve stability. However, it could be argued that the UN was ultimately effective. Following Lumumba’s death, the Security Council allowed the UN army to use force to prevent a civil war occurring. The United States ensured that Cyrille Adoula was elected prime minister; his first priority was to reunite the country. In September 1961 Hammarskjӧld was replaced by U Thant as UN Secretary General; he was determined to use force. However, in December, the Kitona Accords brought agreement on the reincorporation of Katanga into the Congo. Tshombe refused to act on the agreement and the Kennedy administration decided to use UN force. At the end of 1962 the UN was in the hands of the Americans who provided support for the ground forces who finally forced Tshombe to flee. The UN left the Congo in June 1964. In 1965 General Mobutu returned to power with a military coup backed by the Americans and stability returned. The Congo had not descended into civil war; the USSR had been kept out of a sensitive area in Africa; the Congo was kept as a whole and political stability had been achieved.