Challenges Faced by UN peacekeeping in Somalia

by

Abstract

The topic of this research is to identify challenges faced by UN peacekeeping in Somalia. The research is based on the problem that there are different conflicts going on in Africa. The nature of those conflicts is serious. The complexities associated with conflicts in Somalia are increasing. Therefore, there is a need for the interventions of the United Nations in Somalia. The research methodology that has been proposed for this research is qualitative research methodology. The focus of this research is on the case of Somalia. Somalia has been chosen for this study because of its strategtic position in the region. The peacemaking operations in Africa are faced wtih several challenges.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Statement of the Research Problem6

Objective of the Study6

Significance of the Study6

Research Design7

Methodology8

Scope of the Study9

Hypothesis10

Limitations10

Definition of Key Concepts10

Conflict10

Peacekeeping10

Structure of the Research11

Chapter 01: Introduction11

Chapter 02: Literature Review11

Chapter 03: Methodology11

Chapter 04: Findings12

Chapter 05: Conclusion12

Ethical Considerations12

Summary of Chapter 0113

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW14

Concept of Conflict16

Theories of Conflict Resolution19

Preventive Diplomacy21

The Concept of Peacekeeping23

Summary of Chapter 0224

CHAPTER THREE26

Human Security and the Redefinition of Security26

Formation of the United Nations27

United Nation Peacekeeping Operations27

Challenges faced by United Nations Peacemaking in Somalia30

Summary of Chapter 0330

CHAPTER: FOUR32

Causes of Conflicts32

The background and causes of conflict in Somalia33

United Nations' Intervention in Somalia35

Summary of Chapter 0436

CHAPTER: FIVE38

Peacekeeping Challenges in Somalia38

Sensitivity of the People38

Rapid Deployment Capability39

Robust Operational Mandates39

Acquiring Troops from Developed Nations40

Effective Enforcement of Arms Embargo40

Commitment and Cooperation of the Warlords41

Adequate Funding and Logistics41

CHAPTER 06: CONCLUSION43

Recommendations45

References46

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The United Nations has developed as many as sixty one peace keeping operations. A number of these peacekeeping missions belong with Africa. There were only a few of those peacekeeping operations that resulted in positive impacts. In other words, only a limited number of PKOs actually brought peace.

From 1992-1995, two countries in Africa faced one of the hardest periods of their existence. The internal conflict was of biblical proportions in terms of casualties, disease, famine, and political chaos impacting stability in the region and dramatically changing the course of economic, political and social events up to the present day. For both the Somalia and Rwandan crises, there are common actors that play particular roles. These include civil society, rebels, the local government, the international community (represented by the decision makers of the UN Security Council and International Nongovernmental Organizations or INGOs) for peacekeeping operations, military support and finally, the media. Keeping in mind that each of the actors are key players in understanding Somalia and Rwanda, it would be almost mandatory to analyze each of their roles individually. It is evident that many questions arise around the role of media in humanitarian crises anywhere they occur, and there are many potential explanations for each of these questions. That is why, in an attempt to answer most of the questions in this paper, It is argued that events in Somalia and the way the media portrayed the crisis resulted in a reluctance by political decision makers to maintain peacekeeping operations in Rwanda ...