UN involvement in Mozambique Harry and Amanda

Cause of the Conflict A few years after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975, the country plunged into a long and demoralizing civil war between the Government and the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO). This destabilised the area and displaced 3.7 million people from the area who fled the war.

Reasons for Involvement On 4 October 1992, after two years of negotiations in Rome, the two parties signed a General Peace Agreement. As part of the Agreement, the Security Council was to establish a United Nations Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ) to monitor and support a ceasefire. As a member of the UN Australia was obliged to send troops to the region.

Roles performed by the UN The United Nations works, at the request of the Government of Mozambique, to support national development efforts, respond to emergencies and ensure peace and security for all Mozambicans. The mandate of ONUMOZ was: To monitor and verify the ceasefire, the separation and concentration of forces, their demobilization and the collection, storage and destruction of weapons; To monitor and verify the complete withdrawal of foreign forces and to provide security in the transport corridors; To monitor and verify the disbanding of private and irregular armed groups; To authorize security arrangements for vital infrastructures and to provide security for United Nations and other international activities in support of the peace process; To provide technical assistance and monitor the entire electoral process; To coordinate and monitor humanitarian assistance operations, in particular those relating to refugees, internally displaced persons, demobilized military personnel and the affected local population.

Key Dates and Operations 4 October Two parties signed a general peace agreement. In early Some 6,500 troops and military observers, led by the Secretary- General's Special Representative were deployed Repatriation of refugees began Demobilisation began. October The country's first multiparty elections were held. 8 and 9 December The new Parliament and President were inaugurated. January 1955 – The mandate of the UN ended.

Achievements of the Operation 75% of displaced refugees were resettled, others not wishing to be repatriated. Democracy was achieved with the first multiparty general elections. Conflict came to an end and the ceasefire was upheld by both parties.

Evaluation of the success of the Operation UN involvement in Mozambique was a success and assisted in the development and progression of democracy and peace in the area.