The role of the African union peacekeeping forces in the Darfur region of the Sudan (2003-2009)

Abstract

This study analyses the core mission of the African Union (AU) peacekeepers in the Darfur region of the Sudan during 2003 - 2009. Peacekeeping missions are often deployed to oversee the implementation of peace agreements signed among conflicting parties within a state. Recognizing the United Nation`s principle to seek peaceful settlement to disputes that underlines the legality of peacekeeping, this study focuses on the role of AU peacekeeping forces in the Sudan. It examines the objectives of AU peacekeeping operations in the Darfur region and its actualization. It also assesses the successes and failures of the peacekeepers in the Darfur region. The study also examines the challenges faced by AU peacekeepers in Darfur and explores the steps taken by the AU peacekeepers to overcome the challenges in Darfur. These include complementing diplomatic efforts and military force by the AU in Darfur. The study found that notwithstanding the challenges faced by the military commanders especially, in communicating with their counterparts from other nations, the AU peacekeepers have made progress through mediation and preventive diplomacy.However, the study also found that the absence of a common view on the nature and causes of conflict has hampered a single international perspective on how to approach the Darfur crisis. It also established that political power is a vital tool to protect and secure sufficient resources to meet basic needs. The study also found that the lack of governance in Darfur has been a major factor aggravating the conflict in the region. The absence of strong institutions to manage natural resources to contain conflicts over access to these resources and lack of development, coupled with the absence of natural resource management are underlying causes of the crisis. Also, low per capita income, social and economic inequalities, unemployment and lack of economic opportunities in civilian life has contributed to the civil war. The study concludes that the AU mission has been largely ineffective due to continuous killings, rapes, displacement, limited logistical and financial support, inadequate mandate and troop numbers. The study recommends that the Darfur peace process should involve broader participation of the civil society as various groups have been competing for· dwindling resources.