The united nations peacekeeping mission in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: prospects and challenges
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Date
2010-09
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Kampala international international : College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The study examined the “United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo”. The study used a case study. This study was guided by the following objectives: to examine different initiatives the U.N peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo has undertaken in order to stabilise this region. To unearth challenges the U.N peacekeeping mission is currently facing, and to unveil available opportunities that can be helpful for the mission’s success.
A self-administered questionnaire was used as the main method of data collection. Interview and documentation review were also used to compliment, supplement and validate data collected through the questionnaire. Three hundred and sixty eight respondents were chosen for this study. The study found that peacekeeping in eastern Congo was a challenging undertaking. This is because of different factors that impede the U.N peacekeeping efforts. It was found that some initiatives such as training of civilians and national police as well as army have been undertaken.
However roads are few, and these few roads pose key problems to peacekeeping efforts because they are of poor quality. In addition climate has been a major disturbing factor to the U.N peacekeeping mission efforts. Language barriers as well as cultural aspects have become thorny issues within the peacekeeping establishment. Apart from weather and language barriers, the persistent rebel movements’ activities make the U.N peacekeeping operations more painful. Furthermore the size of the territory to be controlled remains a challenge, and it has been very
difficult if not impossible for the U.N peacekeeping to cover the entire territory. The study further revealed that external influence affects significantly the U.N peacekeeping mission. Though rebel movements have been profiteering from illegal exploitation of natural resources, the U.N mission is facing problems of funds and military equipments.
The study concludes that peacekeeping in eastern Congo has been a daunting task. The challenges unearthed during this study patently continue and will continue to impede the U.N peacekeeping
efforts. To overcome these challenges the UNPK mission is facing, a number of recommendations were formulated. The U.N has been requested to continue searching for troops from French speaking countries. The U.N mission has been requested to increase patrols, and avoid using military armors frequently. Finally the people have been asked to work closely with the U.N peacekeeping forces, and inform peacekeepers timely on rebel movements’ activities.
Description
A thesis presented to the school of postgraduate studies and research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree
of Masters of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building
Keywords
The united nations, peacekeeping mission, DRC