Learning Lessons from Peace Operations in Africa

Abstract

This chapter reflects on the experiences of more than fifty peace operations deployed to nearly twenty African countries during the twenty-first century to identify key lessons, best practices, and potential solutions that might make peace operations in Africa more effective. It does so in three parts. The first section summarizes the major trends and patterns of peace operations focusing on the record number of missions and peacekeepers deployed in Africa, as well as the expanded range of mandated tasks given to them. The second section summarizes the major generic lessons arising therefrom, including: the need to ensure peace operations are part of a viable strategy of conflict resolution; that means and ends are aligned; that a capabilities and effects-based approach to force generation is superior to a numbers-centric approach. The final section sketches six recommendations for improving the performance of peace operations in these areas.