TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

UNIT NAME: CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN AFRICA

LECTURER: MADAM KITHU

GROUP MEMBERS

KLEIN KABIKI AIGG/05805P/2022

WANGARI MWANGI AIGG/05550P/2022
NANCY WAMUYU AIGG/05515P/2022
JOSEPH MWANGI AIGG/05540P/2022
JOY VALENTINE AIGG/ P/2022

QUESTION 4: DISCUSS THE UNITED NATIONS PEACE INITIATIVES [ WITH

CASE STUDIES] IN AFRICA

The United Nations (UN) has played a crucial role in peace initiatives around the world through
deploying various tools and mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts. Here are some notable
UN peace initiatives, along with the case studies:

United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

Case Study: United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL): UNMIL was established in 2003 to
support the implementation of the peace agreement in Liberia after years of civil war. It helped
disarm combatants, facilitated the return of refugees, and supported the rebuilding of state
institutions, contributing to the stabilization of the country.
Conflict Prevention and Diplomacy
Case Study: UN Preventive Diplomacy in Kyrgyzstan: In 2010, the UN engaged in preventive
diplomacy to address ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan. The UN Secretary-General dispatched a
special envoy to facilitate dialogue between communities, aiming to prevent further escalation
and promote reconciliation.
Mediation and Peace Processes
Case Study: UN Mediation in Yemen: The UN has been actively involved in mediating the
conflict in Yemen. The UN Special Envoy for Yemen has facilitated negotiations between the
warring parties to reach a political solution, although challenges persist in achieving a
sustainable peace.
Humanitarian Assistance and Conflict Resolution
Case Study: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA): Besides supporting political
processes, UNAMA provides humanitarian assistance and monitors human rights in Afghanistan.
It has played a role in fostering dialogue between conflicting parties and promoting
reconciliation.
Sanctions and Conflict Resolution
Case Study: UN Sanctions in South Sudan: The UN Security Council imposed sanctions on
individuals and entities involved in the South Sudanese conflict to encourage parties to comply
with peace agreements. The sanctions aim to pressure key actors to engage constructively in the
peace process.
Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Case Study: UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT): UNMIT was established in 2006
to support Timor-Leste in the aftermath of a political and security crisis. It assisted in building
institutions, maintaining security, and supporting the rule of law to ensure a sustainable peace.
Special Political Missions
Case Study: UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI): UNAMI provides political advice and
support to Iraq in its efforts to build a stable and inclusive political system. It works on issues
such as constitutional reform, electoral processes, and national reconciliation.

International Criminal Justice

Case Study: International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY): While not a
direct peace initiative, the ICTY, established by the UN, aimed to bring accountability for war
crimes committed during the conflicts in the Balkans. Such tribunals contribute to the
establishment of justice and reconciliation.
These case studies highlight the diverse ways in which the United Nations engages in peace
initiatives, combining diplomatic efforts, conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, and post-
conflict reconstruction to address the complex challenges of global conflicts.
United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC)
Case Study: Congo Crisis (1960-1964): ONUC was the first UN peacekeeping mission in Africa.
It aimed to restore order during the Congo Crisis following its independence. While the mission
faced challenges and criticism, it contributed to the withdrawal of foreign forces and the
establishment of a stable government.
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)
Case Study: Western Sahara Conflict: MINURSO was established to organize a referendum on
self-determination for Western Sahara. Despite ongoing challenges, the mission continues to
monitor the situation and promote dialogue between the parties involved in the dispute.
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL)
Case Study: Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002): UNAMSIL played a crucial role in ending the
civil war in Sierra Leone by disarming rebel forces, supporting the peace process, and helping to
rebuild state institutions. The mission contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in the
country.
United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
Case Study: Liberian Civil Wars (1989-2003): UNMIL was deployed to Liberia to support the
implementation of a peace agreement and facilitate the disarmament and reintegration of
combatants. The mission contributed to the stabilization of Liberia and the restoration of
democratic governance.
African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)
Case Study: Darfur Conflict (2003-present): UNAMID was a joint AU-UN mission tasked with
addressing the conflict in Darfur, Sudan. While facing challenges, the mission played a role in
protecting civilians, promoting peace, and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.
United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI)
Case Study: Ivorian Civil War (2002-2007): UNOCI was deployed to Côte d'Ivoire to facilitate
the implementation of a peace agreement and oversee disarmament and elections. The mission
contributed to stabilizing the country and supporting the political transition.
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
Case Study: Libyan Crisis (2011-present): UNSMIL has been involved in facilitating political
dialogue and conflict resolution in Libya. The mission has worked towards achieving a peaceful
and inclusive political solution to the complex challenges facing the country.
United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA)
Case Study: Abyei Dispute: UNISFA was established to monitor and support the demilitarization
of the Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan. The mission aims to prevent conflicts and
promote stability in this disputed area.
These case studies illustrate the diverse range of conflicts in Africa and the United Nations'
efforts to address them through peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and post-conflict
reconstruction initiatives. While challenges persist, the UN's engagement in Africa reflects a
commitment to promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent.