|
UNEF II was established in October 1973 to supervise the implementation of Security Council Resolutions 338 and which demanded an immediate and complete ceasefire between Egypt and Israel. The establishment of the force was prompted by a crisis which had developed after Egyptian troops crossed the Suez Canal on 6th October 1973, and advanced beyond UN Truce Supervision Operation (UNTSO) observation posts, while at the same time, Syrian troops attacked Israeli positions on the Canal were closed and the observers withdrawn. These developments precipitated fierce fighting between Egypt and Israel. UNEF II was charged with stabilizing the Suez Canal Sector And Sinai, supervising disengagement of forces, and forming a buffer zone.
Ghana and Senegal were the only African countries that took part in UNEF II. While Senegal spent only a little over two years in the force, Ghana faithfully served UNEF II for more than five years, fully participating in various activities of the force until it was dissolved in July 1979. Ghana's involvement in UNEF II began in October 1973 when the UN Secretary General invited the nation to participate in the newly formed multinational peacekeeping force with an infantry battalion and staff officers. Lt. Gen. E.A. Erskine, Chief of Army Staff (then Brigadier), led a Ghanaian exploratory delegation to UN Headquarters in New York in November that year. Other members of the delegation were Lt. Col. E.K. Sam, Director General, Operations and Plans, and Mr. S.C.A. Chinery, Chief Director of the Ministry of Defence.
Thirteen countries contributed troops to the force. Ghana's total troop contribution, constituting 11 battalions, was 8,862. The entire operation recorded 55 casualties, six of whom were Ghanaians. At the time of its withdrawal in 1979, UNEF II had a total strength of 4,031, with 595 coming from Ghana. Ghana also contributed to the command aspect of UNEF II. Lt. Gen. Erskine of Ghana served as its Chief of Defence Staff. The successful conclusion of the Camp David Accord between Israel and Egypt in 1978 motivated the dissolution of UNEF II in July 1979. Following the dissolution, the Ghana battalion in UNEF II travelled overland from Sinai through Gaza to Lebanon to serve on another UN peace mission, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. |
