ONUCA's initial mandate, composition and operational concept reflected the UN reluctance to get involved in internal conflicts. It was to be a verification and peace-observing mission, not a full-scale peacekeeping interposition mission, and certainly not peace-enforcement, although as events unfolded there were brief periods when Contra reluctance to disband threatened to convert ONUCA's role to one of enforcement.
ONUCA's initial mandate, structure, and operational approach mirrored the UN's hesitation to become involved in internal disputes. It was intended to be a verification and peace-keeping observation mission, rather than a full-scale peace-keeping intervention mission, and certainly not a peace-enforcement operation, although as events progressed, Contra reluctance to disband threatened to transform ONUCA's role into one of enforcement.