Date of Submission

4-12-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Department

National Security

Advisor

Alka Jauhari, Ph.D.

Keywords

UN Peacekeeping Missions, Post-Conflict Recovery in Africa, Comparative Case Analysis, Mission Mandates, Resource allocation, Regional Support

LCSH

United Nations--Peacekeeping forces, Conflict management—Africa, International agencies

Abstract

This thesis evaluated the effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping missions in promoting stability, civilian protection, and post-conflict recovery in Africa. It asked: To what extent have UN peacekeeping operations in Africa been effective, and what structural and strategic factors explain their successes or failures? To answer this question, the study conducted comparative case analyses of Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC/MONUSCO), and Ethiopia–Eritrea (UNMEE), with a focus on mission mandates, troop composition, resource allocation, and cooperation with host states. Using qualitative content analysis and policy evaluation, the findings demonstrate that missions with robust mandates, adequate resources, and strong regional support were more likely to achieve success. In contrast, missions constrained by political deadlock, limited enforcement authority, or insufficient capacity often fell short of their objectives. By identifying the key conditions that shaped peacekeeping outcomes, this thesis contributes to ongoing debates on United Nations reform and assesses the continued relevance of peacekeeping in addressing contemporary security challenges.

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