[07.06.12] Protecting civilians while fighting a war – The challenges of the African Union’s Mission to Somalia
The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs is hosting a seminar:
Protecting civilians while fighting a war – The challenges of the African Union’s Mission to Somalia
In the last decade, the African Union has made large strides towards developing its peace and security architecture to address and manage conflicts on the continent. In these efforts, concerns for the safety of the civilian population in conflict areas - the so-called Protection of Civilians agenda – is assuming an increasingly important role.
The African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) is one of the most demanding current peace support operations. In what at times amounts to full-scale war, the operation is mandated to support transitional governmental structures, implement a national security plan, train the Somali security forces, and to assist in creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
From 2011 and onwards, PoC concerns has impacted significantly on the manner in which AMISOM operations have been planned and conducted. Indeed, as of 2011 civilian casualties in AMISOM’s areas of operations have dropped significantly. Both the AU and AMISOM leadership have taken considerable steps to mainstream protection of civilians considerations into the work of the mission. Despite this progress however, significant challenges remain to be addressed if AMISOM is to successfully attain its mandate and be viewed as legitimate and credible in the eyes of the Somali people.
This seminar addresses the challenges of protecting civilians in operations where there is no peace to keep.
The seminar is by invitation only. Please contact Andreas Øien Stensland at aos@nupi.no for further information.
Program 10:00-11:45
- James Gadin, Political Officer AMISOM
- Walter Lotze, Political Officer AU Peace Support Operations Division
- Alexander William Beadle, Research fellow, The Norwegian Defense research Establishment (FFI)
Chair:
Cedric de Coning, Research fellow, The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)