United Nations Security Council Resolution 1161 – On the situation concerning Rwanda
Resolution 1161 (1998)
The Security Council,
Recalling all its previous resolutions on the situation in Rwanda, in particular its resolutions 918 (1994) of 17 May 1994, 997 (1995) of 9 June 1995,1011 (1995) of 16 August 1995, 1013 (1995) of 7 September 1995 and 1053 (1996)of 23 April 1996,
Condemning the continuing violence in Rwanda, including the massacre of civilians, including refugees, at Mudende in December 1997, and similar acts ofviolence observed in the Great Lakes region, including in Burundi,
Expressing grave concern at reports of the sale and supply of arms and related matériel to the former Rwandan government forces and militias, inviolation of the embargo imposed under its resolutions 918 (1994), 997 (1995)and 1011 (1995), and underlining the need for Governments to take action toensure the effective implementation of the embargo,
Commending the members of the International Commission of Inquiry established by resolution 1013 (1995) on the investigation they conducted and,in particular on their final report (S/1997/1010) and its addendum (S/1998/63),
Noting that widespread violence in the eastern region of the former Zairein October 1996 caused the suspension of effective follow-up to the work of the Commission, but recognizing the need for a renewed investigation of the illegal flow of arms to Rwanda, which is fuelling violence and could lead to further acts of genocide, with specific recommendations to the Security Council for action,
Reaffirming the need for a long-term solution to the refugee and related problems in the territories of States of the Great Lakes region,
Reaffirming also the importance of countering radio broadcasts and pamphlets which spread hate and fear in the region, and emphasizing the need For States to assist countries in the region to counter such broadcasts and publications,
- Requests the Secretary-General to reactivate the InternationalCommission of Inquiry, with the following mandate:(a) To collect information and investigate reports relating to the sale,supply and shipment of arms and related matériel to former Rwandan governmentforces and militias in the Great Lakes region of central Africa, in violation ofSecurity Council resolutions 918 (1994), 997 (1995) and 1011 (1995);(b) To identify parties aiding and abetting the illegal sale to oracquisition of arms by former Rwandan government forces and militias, contraryto the resolutions referred to above; and(c) To make recommendations relating to the illegal flow of arms in theGreat Lakes region;
2. Calls upon all States, relevant United Nations bodies, including the Committee established by resolution 918 (1994) and, as appropriate, otherorganizations and interested parties, to collate information in their possessionrelating to the mandate of the Commission, and to make this informationavailable to the Commission as soon as possible;
3. Further calls upon the Governments of the States concerned in which the Commission will carry out its mandate to cooperate fully with the Commission In the fulfilment of its mandate, including by responding positively to requests from the Commission for security, assistance and access in pursuinginvestigations, as specified in paragraph 5 of resolution 1013 (1995);
4. Calls upon all States in the Great Lakes region to ensure that their territory is not used as a base for armed groups to launch incursions or attacks against any other State in violation of the Charter of the United Nations andother provisions of international law;
5. Urges all States and relevant organizations to cooperate in counteringradio broadcasts and publications that incite acts of genocide, hatred andviolence in the region;
6. Encourages States to make voluntary contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund for Rwanda to provide the financing for the work of theCommission and to contribute equipment and services to the Commission;
7. Recommends that the Commission resume its work as soon as possible,requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the reactivation of the Commission, and further requests him to submit an interim report to theCouncil on the initial conclusions of the Commission within three months of itsreactivation, to be followed by a final report containing its recommendationsthree months later;
8. Reiterates its concern that the uncontrolled illegal flows of arms and related matériel in violation of its above-mentioned resolutions pose a threat to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region and declares its willingness toconsider further other measures in this regard including the recommendationsreferred to in paragraph 1 (c) above, and any other related recommendationsoffered by the Commission of Inquiry;
9. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Adopted by the Security Council at its 3870th meeting,on 9 April 1998.
