UPSC Prelims 2002 Q107: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
- (a) to side with the Tutsi tribe in the country’s civil war
- (b) to side with the Hutu tribe in the ongoing ethnic conflict
- (c) as a part of United Nations special force to keep control on the ethnic groups revolting against the government
- (d) as South Africa’s protection force to help mediate and agreement between warring groups of civil war
Answer: (d) as South Africa’s protection force to help mediate and agreement between warring groups of civil war
Explanation
Why South African soldiers were sent to Burundi
| Option | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Protection force to help mediate between warring groups | Yes — South Africa sent troops in 2001 to protect returning political leaders and support the Arusha peace process mediated by Nelson Mandela |
| Side with the Tutsi | No — South Africa was a neutral mediator |
| Side with the Hutu | No — South Africa was neutral |
| UN special force | No — it was a South African deployment, with African Union approval later |
In 2001 South Africa sent several hundred soldiers to Burundi as a protection force for the transitional government and the leaders returning from exile, to help the peace process between the Tutsi and Hutu groups.
Answer: (d) as South Africa's protection force to help mediate an agreement between warring groups of civil war.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. South Africa did not take the Tutsi side.
- (b) Incorrect. South Africa did not take the Hutu side.
- (c) Incorrect. It was not a United Nations force at that stage.
- (d) CORRECT. The troops protected leaders and backed the mediation.
Key point
Burundi: Arusha Accord (2000), Mandela as facilitator, South African protection force from 2001, later the AU mission.
Remember
South African troops in Burundi (2001) protected leaders for the peace process.
Common mistakes
- Choosing side with the Hutu or the Tutsi, though South Africa was neutral.
- Assuming every foreign deployment is a UN force.
- Not linking the troops with the Mandela peace process.
Exam tip
A mediator state sends protection troops, not fighters for one side.
Sources
- The Hindu — Burundi coverage 2001
- Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi