• ONUC was established by Security Council resolution 143 (1960) of 14 July 1960, by which it decided "to authorize the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps, in consultation with the Government of the Republic of the Congo, to provide the Government with such military assistance as might be necessary until, through that Government's efforts with United Nations technical assistance, the national security forces might be able, in the opinion of the Government, to meet fully their tasks".

    The initial mandate of ONUC was to ensure the withdrawal of Belgian forces from the Republic of the Congo, to assist the Government in maintaining law and order and to provide technical assistance. The function of ONUC was subsequently modified to include maintaining the territorial integrity and political independence of the Congo, preventing the occurrence of civil war and securing the removal from the Congo of all foreign military, paramilitary and advisory personnel not under the United Nations Command, and all mercenaries.

    In implementing its mandate, UNUC was authorized to use force, if necessary. By resolution 161 (1961) of 21 February 1961, the Council urged that the United Nations "take immediately all appropriate measures to prevent the occurrence of civil war in the Congo, including arrangements for ceasefire, the halting of all military operations, the prevention of clashes, and the use of force, if necessary, in the last resort".

    By resolution 169 (1961) of 24 November 1961, the Council authorized the Secretary-General "to take vigorous action, including the use of the requisite measure of force, if necessary, for the immediate apprehension, detention pending legal action and/or deportation of all foreign military and paramilitary personnel and political advisers not under United Nations Command, and mercenaries", as laid down in Council’s resolution 161 (1961).

     


    Prepared for the Internet by the Information Technology Section/ Department of Public Information (DPI).
    Maintained by the Peace and Security Section of DPI in cooperation with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
    (c)United Nations

 

| Main Page.| UN Home Page |