On September 22, 1993, the Security Council established the UN Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) pursuant to resolution 866. Its mission was to cooperate with ECOMOG to implement the Cotonou Peace Agreement. This included: monitoring the cease-fire and recommending measures to prevent violations; monitoring compliance with the other military provisions of the agreement including disengagement of forces, disarmament, and observance of the arms embargo; supporting humanitarian assistance activities; monitoring human rights; and observing and verifying the election process.
Despite the efforts of UNOMIL and ECOMOG, the parties resumed fighting, which delayed the elections. In 1994, agreements were signed in Akosombo and Accra that sought to establish an effective cease-fire. A third agreement was reached in Abuja in May 1995. Despite these efforts, fighting continued throughout the country. In April 1996, the fighting led to a complete breakdown of law and order in Monrovia. This led to the evacuation of UN personnel. However, the Special Representative and essential UNOMIL personnel remained to support political efforts aimed at resolving the crisis. After two months, a cease-fire was established.
In August 1996, a revised peace plan was signed, authorizing ECOMOG to disarm combatants under the observation of UNOMIL. It provides for the disarmament of 60,000 fighters, to be followed by presidential and parliamentary elections in May 1997. The Security Council welcomed the agreement and urged the parties to implement their commitments. However, it continues to call on all nations to comply with the UN arms embargo against Liberia.
