This thread is for players directly involved in the UN Congo Mission. If you are not involved, please do not post in this thread
Confidential Memorandum – Circulated to Members of the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC)
From: Swedish ONUC HQ
Date: April 1961
The Government of Sweden wishes to express its deepest sorrow and condemnation over the heinous attack at Leopoldville International Airport, which has resulted in unacceptable human loss and destabilization at a critical juncture in the Congo.
In light of this horrendous attack, we propose that the ONUC mission jointly consider the following coordinated steps:
1. Immediate Investigative Action:
- Establishment of a Joint Investigative Task Force under ONUC command, including representatives from deployed contingents (e.g., Sweden, India, Turkey, Ghana, etc.), to assess the causes, methods, and perpetrators of the attack.
- Deployment of forensic and logistics experts to the site under UN security perimeter.
2. Humanitarian Emergency Response:
- Creation of a UN field hospital or triage unit in Leopoldville, possibly supported by the Red Cross and the UNOC Medical Corps.
- Request for material contributions (tents, medicine, personnel) from all participating nations.
3. ZONES DE SÉCURITÉ – Civil Protection Mechanism
- Designation of UN-protected civilian zones, to serve as temporary shelters for displaced persons in case of renewed violence.
- Deployment of ONUC forces to these locations to prevent harassment or forced recruitment.
- Coordination with NGOs (red cross, and others) and UN agencies for water, sanitation, and basic needs.
4. Public Communication Campaign
- Launch of a multilingual public information campaign explaining ONUC’s mission to all local communities.
- Emphasis on the following UN mandates:
- Maintain peace and security.
- Protect civilians.
- Facilitate conflict-to-peace transitions.
- Promote human rights.
- Restore rule of law.
- Distribute humanitarian aid.
- Support sustainable development.
5. Political De-escalation:
- Public request that all Congolese political factions refrain from premature accusations.
- Support for a temporary political ceasefire or moratorium on offensives until preliminary investigative findings are released.
Sweden stands ready to assist in all logistical and humanitarian aspects, and believes the credibility and neutrality of ONUC depends now more than ever on our unified, rapid, and proportionate response.
Esteemed Representatives of the United Nations Mission,
In light of the recent and deeply troubling attack on Leopoldville International Airport, which claimed innocent lives and threatened the fragile peace that the international community has sought to establish in the Congo, the Republic of India submits the following five-point plan to the United Nations as a matter of urgency and shared global responsibility.
India, as a steadfast contributor to the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC), believes that decisive, coordinated, and peace-oriented action is essential not only for the protection of the Congolese people, but also for the credibility and effectiveness of our collective efforts.
India’s Five-Step Proposal for Stabilization and Peace in the Congo
1. Adoption of a Binding United Nations Resolution for an Immediate Arms Embargo:
The Security Council must pass a binding resolution placing a total arms embargo on all factions involved in the Congolese civil conflict. The unrestricted flow of arms has exacerbated instability and directly enabled acts of violence such as the recent airport attack.
2. International Control of Strategic Entry Points:
All international airports, airstrips, and seaports within the territory of the Congo must be placed under direct and operational control of the United Nations. These facilities should be staffed and overseen by international personnel to prevent the clandestine import of arms and the unauthorized movement of combatants.
3. Deployment of International Civilian Policing Advisors:
India proposes the establishment of a voluntary corps of professional police advisors from neutral nations to assist, train, and modernize the Congolese police services. This is crucial for the restoration of public trust, lawful order, and respect for human rights.
4. Creation of a Neutral Communication Framework Between Factions:
To facilitate peaceful dialogue without extending diplomatic recognition to any armed group, India recommends the establishment of UN-mediated liaison offices—neutral spaces where representatives of all political and military factions can communicate, relay grievances, and negotiate de-escalation under international supervision.
5. Standardization of UN Identification and Protocols:
In response to unfortunate misunderstandings and baseless accusations of espionage, such as those involving Swedish personnel, India calls for the implementation of a standardized, formal identification system for all UN peacekeeping and support staff. This system should be recognized by all parties to the conflict and visibly distinguish UN personnel from any combatant or intelligence operatives.
Following the thoughtful and timely five-point plan submitted by the Republic of India, the Kingdom of Sweden is pleased to confirm its position on the proposed measures:
1. Arms Embargo:
Sweden strongly supports the call for a binding arms embargo on all Congolese factions. The uncontrolled influx of weapons undermines all efforts toward stabilization. We advocate for a Security Council resolution with a clear mandate, and we are willing to assist in the verification mechanisms for such an embargo.
2. Control of Strategic Entry Points:
We agree in principle with international oversight of strategic infrastructure. Being for the purpose of preventing arms smuggling, restoring communications and controlling the entry of combatants, we support this point without restrictions. However, we must be flexible and adapt to the requirements made by the Congolese governments, as long as they do not interfere with the objectives listed above.
3. Deployment of Civilian Police Advisors:
Sweden welcomes this initiative. We are prepared to contribute qualified legal and policing experts for a potential International Civil Policing Advisory Corps, and to support capacity-building in rule of law and civilian protection.
4. Neutral Communication Framework:
This is a particularly valuable idea. Sweden endorses the creation of UN-supervised liaison offices, with neutral staff facilitating indirect dialogue between parties. This aligns closely with our ongoing efforts to maintain strict neutrality and to defuse tensions on the ground.
5. UN Identification and Protocols:
Sweden has experienced firsthand the dangers of misidentification and unfounded accusations. We support the swift implementation of standardized identification for all UN personnel and request this matter be given high technical priority by ONUC headquarters. In 1956 the UN forces were deployed in Sinai (UNEF-I) and adopted the wearing of blue helmets as identification for the UN forces. We propose to adopt such blue helmets for the ONUC mission. We also suggest wearing blue armbands with the UN shield on the right arm, under the national flag of each country.
I would like to update the new deployment of the F.22 Air Squadron in Luluabourg.
The first fighter will be deployed within a week and the whole Air Squadron will be fully iperational in Jun. 1961.
The Squadron is composed of:
8 x J29B
4 x J29F
6 x S29C
The airbase will have 12 months of supplies, fuel and ammunition in reserve. The consumption will be replenished with each regular shipment, so it will always hsve 12 months since the last shipment.
We need the UN Command resolution declaring Congo’s airspace restricted. In the meantime, we will use fighters to support ground operations, escort convoys, reconnaissance missions and deterrent presence.
We also encourage to other deployed nations to help with what they can.
Following the latest despicable attack in Stanleyville and the imposition of Martial Law in the region, we request the UNOC command to deploy additional peacekeepers in and around Stanleyville to ensure the safety of civilians and that human rights are not violated by anyone.
We have also initiated discussions with the Gizenga government to allow neutral observers and international investigators to enter the region, with the intention of clarifying the facts and determining the perpetrators of the massacre.
Finally, it is important to find out the nationality of the fifteen Europeans who died.
(OOC: I need NPCs help with this matter: To keep the peace in Stanleyville, to make the investigation and to know the nationality of the Europeans murdered. I will send an IPOL action in a few minutes about this).
Copy of the letter sent by Tage Erlander to Antoine Gizenga - CLASSIFIED
To: Prime Minister Antoine Gizenga, Free Republic of the Congo
From: Prime Minister Tage Erlander, Kingdom of Sweden (on behalf of the ONUC liaison delegation)
Your Excellency,
In light of the tragic and deeply troubling events at the military installation near Stanleyville, the Kingdom of Sweden extends its condolences to all affected and recognizes the urgency of preserving regional stability, preventing retaliation, and uncovering the truth.
Sweden hereby requests that your government allow United Nations peacekeepers entry into Stanleyville and its surroundings to assist in stabilization efforts and safeguard civilian lives. Our presence will be entirely neutral and bound by ONUC’s humanitarian mission and Security Council mandate.
We also respectfully request access for a neutral, international team of investigators to conduct a thorough and independent inquiry into the attack, with full transparency and cooperation from all involved.
Finally, Sweden is prepared to coordinate with your government to repatriate the remains of foreign nationals who perished in the explosion. Our C-130 transport aircraft currently deployed in Congo are ready to conduct these transfers, in full coordination with UN authorities and the families concerned.
We trust that your government recognizes the value of international cooperation in this hour and look forward to working with you to prevent further suffering and restore calm to the region.
With deepest respect and consideration,
Tage Erlander
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden
On behalf of the ONUC Liaison Delegation
In view of the deteriorating security situation and the escalating activities of secessionist and insurgent groups, the Government of India wishes to reaffirm its steadfast commitment to the principles of international peacekeeping under the aegis of the United Nations. India recognizes the urgent necessity of strengthening the operational capacities of ONUC in reconnaissance, counter-insurgency observation, and stabilization operations, particularly in contested areas.
Accordingly, the Government of India formally proposes the deployment of a specialized military detachment, designated as the Special Reconnaissance Unit “Black Lancers”, for operational integration under the command and control of ONUC. The proposed unit consists of elite Indian Army personnel trained in advanced reconnaissance, counter-insurgency tactics, and intelligence coordination. Their deployment will be strictly in accordance with the United Nations mandate and operational directives, and they shall operate solely under UN command.
The purpose of this deployment is to augment the capabilities of ONUC in the fields of:
- Long-range reconnaissance in regions of active or potential insurgent activity;
- Support to United Nations peacekeeping forces in intelligence collection and threat assessment;
- Non-combat stabilization and support missions in coordination with humanitarian operations.
The Government of India seeks the authorization of the Secretary-General for this contribution to ONUC, and assures that the Black Lancers will adhere rigorously to all rules of engagement and humanitarian principles governing United Nations peacekeeping forces.
The Permanent Mission of India avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Secretary-General the assurances of its highest consideration.
Urgent Release
Congo Intelligence Reports: Jungle Tribes
Our sources in the Congo have indicated that tribes in the deep jungles between Stanleyville and Elizabethville are mobilizing in an anti-colonial fashion. Information that has reached us has indicated that they are beginning to train to embark on a campaign of guerilla warfare, targeting what they view as foreign interference.
From the reports we have received, we are convinced that a foreign actor is at least partially responsible for this new movement. Reports of several individuals of Asian descent have been seen among the tribes, teaching them various guerilla tactics.