UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea is withdrawn

On 30 July 2008, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1827 terminating the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) with effect from the following day. The Council decision came in response to crippling restrictions imposed by Eritrea on UNMEE, as well as the cutting off of fuel supplies – making it impossible for the operation to continue carrying out its mandated tasks, and putting at risk the safety and security of UN personnel.

At the same time, resolution 1827 called on the two Horn of Africa countries "to show maximum restraint and refrain from any threat or use of force against each other and to avoid provocative military activities".

Viability of UNMEE jeopardised by Eritrean fuel restrictions

6 Jun 2008

Viability of UNMEE jeopardised by Eritrean fuel restrictions

New York, 25 January: Fuel restrictions imposed by Eritrea on the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) are paralyzing the work of the mission, a UN official warned today.

Mr. Azouz Ennifar, UNMEE's acting head, told journalists after briefing the Security Council that the mission has not been able to obtain fresh supplies of fuel in Eritrea since 1 December of last year.

"These restrictions are paralyzing the mission and its movements and making the living conditions of our civilian and military staff on the ground extremely difficult," he said.

In his most recent report on the situation, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recommended to the Council that the mission's mandate have a one-month technical rollover to assess the situation.

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