UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE)

Key Dates

• Ethiopia and Eritrea on June 18, 2000 signed a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, negotiated under the auspices of Organization of African Unity, with the support of the United States. On December 12, 2000 they signed a comprehensive peace agreement in Algiers.

• Resolution 1312 of July 31, 2000 established the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), with an initial force of up to 100 military observers and necessary civilian staff, to lay the groundwork for a larger mission in the future. Resolution 1320 of September 15, 2000 authorized deployment of up to 4200 troops including observers. Resolution 1344 of March 15, 2001 extended the mandate until September 15, 2001.

Staffing

	Authorized	Actual (as of 3/31/01)
		Total	U.S.
Troops	3,980	3,659	0
Observers	220	219	7
Police	0	0	0

The U.S. has contributed 6 military observers and 1 headquarters staff officer to UNMEE.

Financing (Regular peacekeeping assessments)

	Total UN Cost	U.S. assessment
FY 2001 (est.)	$312 million	$84.2 million

Mandate

To monitor the cessation of hostilities, assist as appropriate in ensuring that the parties observe their security commitments, monitor and verify the redeployment of Ethiopian troops, monitor the position of Eritrean forces, monitor the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), chair the Military Coordination Commission, coordinate and provide technical assistance for humanitarian mine action activities in the TSZ and adjacent areas, and coordinate with UN humanitarian and human rights activities in the TSZ and adjacent areas.

U.S. Interests

The U.S. has an interest in maintaining Ethiopian-Eritrean peace because the war destabilized the region, displaced an estimated 1.2 million people, and slowed the progress of both countries to democracy and prosperity.