Intelligence and Peacekeeping − Are We Winning?
By André Roux. Conflict Trends, October 2008.
A shortfall in the capacity to collect and analyze intelligence during peace operations often weakens a mission’s ability to implement its mandate and contributes to avoidable peacekeeper deaths and attacks on civilians. New Joint Mission Analysis Cells and similar integrated intelligence units are improving planning and force deployment in several UN missions. However, such structures remain underdeveloped, particularly in African-led missions, and available technologies such as unmanned surveillance technology should also be adopted to serve many unmet tactical level intelligence needs.
Download the article: [PDF]The Civilian Dimension of the African Standby Force
Edited by Cedric de Coning and Yvonne Kasumba. African Union Commission and ACCORD, 2010.
The development of the Africa Standby Force (ASF) has focused predominantly on its military components. As a result, civilian staff has comprised less than one percent of mission strength in recent African peace missions, undermining the management of political processes, restoration of core government services, and other key objectives. Greater clarity and commitment to the civilian components of the ASF policy framework are needed to achieve comprehensive African peacekeeping capabilities.
Download the Article: [PDF]Enhancing Civilian Protection in Peace Operations: Insights from Africa
By Paul Williams. Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2010.
Systematic rapes, mass displacement, and other tragedies in Africa frequently damage the credibility of peacekeeping missions and jeopardize conflict resolution efforts. Yet several successful operations to protect non-combatants demonstrate that civilian protection is indeed feasible though challenging. To fulfill their mandates and protect the legitimacy of peace processes, peace operations require clearer civilian protection concepts and must address the nuanced dynamics and resource demands of different contexts.
Download the Article: [PDF]Lessons Learned from Peace Operations in Africa
By Paul Williams. Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2010.
Peace operations have been a principal tool used to curb conflict in Africa over the past decade, with over 40 operations deployed since 2000. This article takes stock of lessons learned from these experiences and the implications they hold for improving the effectiveness of future peace operations in Africa.
Download the Brief in: [ENGLISH][FRANÇAIS][PORTUGUESE]The African Standby Force: An Update on Progress
By Jakkie Cilliers. Institute for Security Studies, 2009.
A detailed update on the growth of the continental (AU) and regional (RECs) institutions designed to execute strategy and operations for the five African peace brigades. Includes information on the logistical plans, command and control, equipment, and mandates of the ASF.
Download the Article: [PDF]
Other Reads
