Revisiting the United Nations' Intervention in Somalia: Lessons for Future Africa-UN Partnership in Peacekeeping

Abstract

In this paper, I look at the United Nations’ military intervention in Somalia in 1992-95 following the overthrow of the Siad Barre regime and amid a fratricidal civil war in the country. I begin by providing a concise historical overview of the Somali conflict that led to this intervention. I then look at the UN peacekeeping force and the circumstances that led to its formation and dispatch. This necessitates an analysis of the main characteristics of the force. Concluding that the mission spectacularly failed, I look at the main factors that led to this failure and, from this, suggest some policy recommendations as to what should be the conduct of future Africa-UN partnership in peacekeeping, especially that there are now many voices —both from within and from outside Africa— calling for UN intervention in another African country —Sudan.