Lessons from the African Union Mission for Somalia (AMISOM) for Peace Operations in Mali

Authors

  • Matt Freear
  • Cedric de Coning NUPI & ACCORD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/sta.bj

Keywords:

peace operations, Mali, Somalia, Africa Union, United Nations, AMISOM, AFISMA, MINUSMA

Abstract

Mali and Somalia have both suffered determined Islamist-inspired insurgencies, and in both African Union-led peace operations have been a central pillar in political and security stabilization efforts. Despite challenges in transferring lessons between unique situations, the AMISOM experience can offer some useful lessons for Mali. We have identified several themes that helped to drive success for AMISOM, amongst others the determination of troop contributors and their funding partners, and actively pursuing the support of the host population. At the operational and tactical levels, we have highlighted a number of features that has contributed to more effective operations, including a high degree of adaptability, working with allied armed groups and a dogged determination to see the fight through. The next stage for both countries may be the most challenging yet as African Union and United Nations troops are called to keep a complex and fragile peace in Mali and Somalia. 

Author Biographies

Matt Freear

Matt Freear worked on a United Nations-contracted communications project team with the African Union Mission to Somalia for one and a half years. Prior to that he served with the British Foreign Office in Washington, Afghanistan, Iraq and London. Matt started his career in the UK Parliament as an aide and then joined the civil service working in several departments, including in the Prime Minister’s Office. He holds a Masters in Public Policy and Bachelor of Laws degree from University College London, and is an Adjunct Fellow with the American Security Project.

Cedric de Coning, NUPI & ACCORD

Cedric de Coning heads the Peace Operations and Peacebuilding Research Group at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and is a peacekeeping and peacebuilding advisor for ACCORD. He served with the UN in East Timor and in New York and he is currently a member of the UN Peacebuilding Fund’s Advisory Group. He started his career as a South African diplomat in Washington D.C. and Addis Ababa. He has a PhD from the University of Stellenbosch.

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Published

2013-06-12

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Research Article

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2013 The Author(s)

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