Current peacekeeping in Africa (case by case), on the different mechanisms put in place by

the UN in the context of peacekeeping efforts and on the limits faced by these missions. This
topic seemed relevant to us in the context of the study of international relations because of
its impact on regional and global stability, political and economic issues, the specific
challenges faced by these missions, and the implications for global security.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

Since its creation in 1945, the United Nations has been actively engaged in conflict
resolution and the promotion of peace around the world. In Africa, a continent facing many
complex security challenges, UN peacekeeping missions play a crucial role. Our work will
focus on: What is the impact of these missions on conflict resolution and peacebuilding in
Africa, while examining the challenges encountered in this context?

I/ The role of peacekeeping missions

A peacekeeping operation refers to an action carried out by the United Nations to assist
countries affected by conflicts in establishing the conditions necessary for lasting peace. By
using diplomacy, good offices and mediation, these missions actively act to prevent conflicts
and promote peace. They deploy special envoys and political missions in the field that
intervene directly in conflict areas by facilitating political processes, protecting civilians and
helping with disarmament. In Africa, where there are many security challenges, these
operations are of particular importance because they work to create the conditions for
sustainable stability. Currently, peacekeepers are deployed in 5 countries: the Central
African Republic ( MINUSCA), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Western
Sahara (MINURSO), South Sudan ( UNMISS) and in the contested region of Abiyé. They act
in accordance with the fundamental principles that guide their action: the consent of the
parties, impartiality and the use of force only in the case of self-Defence or mandate
Defence.

II/ UN missions in Africa:

Through its missions in the world, the UN wears the costume of mediator and conflict solver
in the regions that face it. Africa is no exception to this observation in view of the many UN
missions deployed there (MINUSCA, MINURSO, MONUSCO...) thus seeking to resolve the
various conflicts taking place there. These different missions in Africa are conducted and
supervised by the UN Security Council, which is responsible for authorising peacekeeping
operations by setting the objectives, responsibilities and limits of the mission. Within the
latter, the UN does not hesitate to send peacekeepers to Africa, a continent where 80% of
peacekeepers are deployed. Similarly, the UN is responsible for sending strategic equipment
such as drones at MONUSCO, or making various specialists available to issue advice on
how to deal with armed rebel groups, for example. All these provisions have allowed the
various African countries involved in conflicts to develop and modernise the various security
institutions, but also to help the victims of these conflicts, thus allowing them to participate in
the resolution of the continent's conflicts in a collaborative way to ensure the stability of the
regions.

III/ Challenges and limitations of peacekeeping missions:

Peacekeeping missions face many challenges limiting their ability to establish lasting peace.
First of all, peacekeeping missions suffer from an insufficient level of funding. Indeed, since
2011, international support for peacebuilding has declined, further increasing financial
pressure on missions. Then, another major challenge is the lack of qualified human
resources. The recruitment and maintenance of competent troops remain constant
challenges, which compromises the ability of missions to achieve their objectives. In
addition, the limited cooperation of African governments, which sometimes show a certain
reluctance, is also a significant obstacle. In addition, missions are faced with unconventional
wars and complex rules of engagement in almost all theatres of conflict in Africa. Finally, a
major logistical challenge lies in the operational autonomy of the contingents of the
troop-supplying countries. UN standards require 60-day autonomy, a requirement difficult to
meet for many African countries that provide troops, due to financial and logistical
constraints.

In conclusion, UN peacekeeping operations, although of fundamental importance, also face

a series of major challenges. The choice of this subject is therefore crucial to understand the
complex issues facing Africa and the tangible impact of UN actions in the region. It highlights
the need for continuous commitment on the part of the international community to support
these missions. In the end, the study of peacekeeping missions in Africa highlights the
challenges and opportunities of international relations in the promotion of world peace.

Bibliography:

● United Nations. (s.d.). Maintain international peace and security.

● United Nations. (s. d.). What is peacekeeping? United Nations.

● United Nations. (n.d.). MINUSCA.

● United Nations. (n.d). MINURSO

● United Nations. (n.d). MONUSCO

● United Nations. (n.d). UNMISS

● Africa Centre for Strategic Studies. (2016). Lessons learned from the Peacekeeping
Operations in Africa

● International Multi-Disciplinary Journal, Ethiopia AFRREV Vol. 13 (3), Serial No 55, July,
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● UN peacekeeping missions in Africa questioned. (2023, November). RTS.

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