Evaluating Reform Efforts of Peacekeeping Operatives in Africa

*TW: Sexual Assult 

Through various internal investigations and external reporting, there has been increased national recognition of the role that UN Peacekeeping Operatives play in perpetuating instability and continued human rights abuses in war-torn areas that are just beginning to find stability again. This acknowledgement has motivated various efforts for reform that include the implementation of hybrid peacekeeping operations, budget reconsiderations, more realistic and achievable mandates with flexible timelines, stricter training for peacekeeping staff, and especially attempts to consult and partner with local groups consistently throughout deployment. How these trials for amending peacekeeping operatives of old varies heavily by region. 

Taking a look at the more than thirty UN peacekeeping missions that have been commissioned to Africa in the past 70 years, many experts concur that peace operations have both protected civilians and caused harm to the most vulnerable as well. As of October 2021, there were 50,000 troops deployed by the UN for peacekeeping operations in Africa. Some of the main operations are stationed in Abyei (UNISFA), the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Mali (MINUSMA), and SouthSudan (UNMISS). A small selection of operations report to regional blocs such as the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU).

           Image Source: Council on Foreign Relations, 2021

The mandates of peacekeeping operatives evidently vary by region, conflict, and need but the general goals remain consistent: protect civilians, bring stability to post-conflict areas, help implement peace accords, and assist governmental transitions. 

Things become controversial, however, when sides are taken, the purposes of missions are blurred, and monitoring becomes synonymous with oppressive para military regimes. There is also conflict when tensions arise between the nations that fund the mission and send troops are not able to see eye to eye. 

To look at specific examples, MONUSCO experienced issues with acting promptly enough when civilians were threatened in the DRC because of difficulties navigating the terrain and the absence of a relationship with local authorities. The UN had to withdraw hundreds of staff from the Gabonese operation in the Central African Republic due to allegations of sexual abuse of girl children. A 2014 report by internal investigators in the UN disclosed that peacekeepers were only able to respond to one in five cases where civilians were threatened, many in situations of deadly attacks. 

With these prospects in mind, there have been several avenues for reform suggested within the UN. Give this article a read and consider which of the suggestions seem to be suited for implementation, how they could be improved, or what other possible factors they might be missing. Are there certain shortfalls of peacekeeping operatives that you think should be prioritized in these efforts at reform? Looking at the other case examples in the article, are there patterns in employment of peacekeeping operations to Africa specifically that seem ineffective and harmful? Comment your thoughts down below!