UNMEE
United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea

UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea is withdrawn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, the Security Council called on Ethiopia and Eritrea "to show maximum restraint and refrain from any threat or use of force against each other and to avoid provocative military activities".

Special Report of Secretary-General released

New York 6 March: U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has instructed UNMEE to begin relocating military personnel now in Asmara, to their home countries, pending a decision of the Security Council on the future of the Mission.

In a special report, dated 3 March, Mr. Ban said some personnel from the Indian, Jordanian and Kenyan contingents would remain in Asmara, together with about 60 international civilian personnel, including the Deputy Special Representative and Chief of Mission Support, for essential liaison purposes and to secure and inventory equipment left behind. UNMEE's military and civilian personnel in Ethiopia are to remain in their positions until the Council has made its decision.