Category Peace Operations Estimates (POET)

Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI)Peace Operations Estimate – UNDOF

UNDOF Executive Summary
UNDOF of the Golan Heights is one of five current missions with a Chapter VI mandate (sometimes referred to as a “traditional” mandate). Since 1974, the mission tasks have been to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria and to supervise the areas of separation and limitation, as defined by the Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria (also known as the Agreement of Disengagement, which is the same title of a similar agreement between Israel and Egypt). However, in the 43 years of UNDOF—and the 50 years since the 1967 Six-Day War which resulted in the current disposition of borders—not much else has occurred to resolve the conflict. Instead, many contemporary factors further the complexity of the situation, to include: the ongoing Syrian civil war; larger regional concerns of transnational terrorism and other security issues; and the multi-generational Israeli occupation with its interwoven economic concerns.

Click on the links below to read more or to download this publication:

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in DR Congo – MONUSCO

Last update on: 3 June 2021

UN Photo/Sylvain Liechti – MONUSCO peacekeepers on patrol.

Executive Summary

from official MONUSCO​​​​​​​, UN PressUN Digital Library and Crisis Group

MONUSCO is focused on strengthening governance, protecting civilians, and reducing instability in the eastern territory, as evidenced by continued support for the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) which was established in 2013 to conduct offensive operations. The U.S. priority for MONUSCO has been ensuring performance and accountability, as well as reducing funding for the mission because of its links to government forces that have committed gross human rights violations, including unlawful killings and sexual violence.[1]

With the renewal of the mission’s mandate (Resolution 2556/2020), UN decides to extend until 20 December 2021 the MONUSCO in the DRC, including, on an exceptional basis and without creating a precedent or any prejudice to the agreed principles of peacekeeping, its Intervention Brigade.

[1] https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/central-africa/democratic-republic-congo/b148-new-approach-un-stabilise-dr-congo



Source: UNITED NATIONS – Office of Information and Communications Technology Geospatial Information Section

MONUSCO ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/MONUSCO

MONUSCO ON FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/photos/monusco


These products are the results of academic research and intended for general information and awareness only. They include the best information publicly available at the time of publication. Routine efforts are made to update the materials; however, readers are encouraged to check the specific mission sites at https://monusco.unmissions.org/en or https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/monusco.

The Republic of Mali and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Mission in Mali – MINUSMA

MINUSMA/Harandane Dicko – UN peacekeepers return to their helicopter following a mission to the village of Sobane Da in the Mopti region of Mali.

Executive Summary

from June 2020 Global Conflict Tracker by CFR

Concerns are growing that militant groups in Mali are increasing in number and strength, with violence spreading across the country and across borders. In January 2019, local al-Qaeda affiliate, the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), claimed a series of attacks on UN peacekeepers, soldiers from both Mali and Burkina Faso, and local militants.

JNIM—which formed in March 2017 and was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department in September 2018—and affiliated militant groups have expanded their influence, spreading from the north into central Mali by capitalizing on communal tensions, and has continued to carry out attacks in the capital, Bamako. A branch of the self-proclaimed Islamic State, known as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, has also appeared, compounding concerns over the militant threat.

In August 2018, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita won re-election in a runoff vote that was marred by violence in the run-up to both rounds of the election. In addition to a deteriorating security environment, the Malian government continues to struggle to implement the June 2015 peace agreement it signed with the Coordination of Azawad Movements and a coalition of Tuareg rebel groups. Major components of the deal—including steps to increase autonomy and political representation in the north, bring development, and integrate rebel groups into the Malian security forces—remain unfulfilled.

Source: UNITED NATIONS Geospatial

MINUSMA ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/MINUSMA

MINUSMA ON FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/photos/minusma

MINUSMA ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/un_minusma/


These products are the results of academic research and intended for general information and awareness only. They include the best information publicly available at the time of publication. Routine efforts are made to update the materials; however, readers are encouraged to check the specific mission sites at https://minusma.unmissions.org/en or https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/minusma.

The Federal Republic of Somalia and the African Union Mission in Somalia – AMISOM

View of Mogadishu fishing harbor from the Aruba Hotel 06 August 2012, in the Somali capital Mogadishu.
AU-UN IST PHOTO / STUART PRICE

From AMISOM website

Executive Summary

The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Republic of Somalia is the most recent attempt to restore national institutions to Somalia. Established in 2004 and internationally recognized, its support in Somalia was waning until the United States-backed 2006 intervention by the Ethiopian military, which helped drive out the rival Islamic Courts Union (ICU) in Mogadishu and solidify the TFG’s rule. Following this defeat, the ICU splintered into several different factions. Some of the more radical elements, including Al-Shabaab, regrouped to continue their insurgency against the TFG and the Ethiopian military’s presence in Somalia.

In February 2007, the United Nations Security Council authorized the African Union to deploy a peacekeeping mission in support of Somalia’s Transitory Federal Institutions (TFIs).

The Security Council authorized the Member States of the African Union to maintain the deployment of AMISOM, as set out in paragraph 1 of resolution 2093 (2013) until 30 November 2015. AMISOM continues to support the FGS’ commitment to a credible electoral process in 2016 and is actively working closely with the FGS and SNA to bring peace and stability to the nation.

The Transition Plan to phase out AMISOM forces with Somali national forces is happening in tandem with offensive operations to deter aggression from Al Shabaab in the south with the support of the United States and other allies. Whether or not the country can establish a governance structure that is acceptable to all stakeholders and be financially sustainable will determine, to a large extent, whether AMISOM forces withdraw from Somalia by December 2021 as envisioned by the UN. 

Recent efforts to drawdown levels of AMISOM forces reflect confidence in the central authorities and their ability to implement a transition plan whereby Somali armed forces come under one command and control framework to secure the country. In February 2019, 1,000 AMISOM forces withdrew after Somali forces took over security for certain high profile locations including Mogadishu University, Mogadishu Stadium, and Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy. However, doubts remain as to whether the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Somali National Police (SNP) will be capable of providing security throughout the country in order for AMISOM to exit the country altogether. A recent Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) prepared by AMISOM indicates the country has 20,000 pro-government forces in the regional FMS.[i]  The U.S. is also training advanced Somali infantry units known as the Danab, to conduct offensive operations against Al-Shabaab. The UN mandate for AMISOM was renewed in May 2019, affirming the drawn down and supporting the transition plan leading up to elections. National elections are supposed to take place in 2020, paving the way for the mission to exit while Somali forces take over responsibility for security. The elections will be a monumental watershed for Somalia, if they are managed correctly and occur as planned. They will be the first universal elections in over 50 years, giving every person in the country “one vote.” A National Independent Election Commission (NIEC) was established in 2017 to draft electoral law and oversee voter registration. The electoral law is currently pending approval in Parliament. The Provisional Constitution from 2012 is also in the process of being updated. 


[i] Relief Web, AMISOM hands over Operational Readiness Assessment findings to the Somali government, 26 February 2019. https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/amisom-hands-over-operational-readiness-assessment-findings-somali-government

Copyright @United Nations – Department of Field Support Cartographic Section
Map No. 3690 Rev. 10 – December 2011

AMISOM ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/amisomsomalia

AMISOM ON FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/photos/au_unistphotostream/sets/

These products are the results of academic research and intended for general information and awareness only. They include the best information publicly available at the time of publication. Routine efforts are made to update the materials; however, readers are encouraged to check the specific mission site at https://amisom-au.org.

The Central African Republic (CAR) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic – MINUSCA

Last update on: 19 November 2020

Source: United Nations

Executive Summary

President Faustin Archange Touadéra’s government came into power in February 2016. He campaigned as a peacemaker who could bridge the religious divide, and he has been working to establish an inclusive government that includes the leaders of various factions. 

A breakthrough in the conflict occurred on 06 February 2019 when a Peace Agreement was signed between the central government and 14 armed groups. The agreement was negotiated by the African Union and United Nations representatives. However, the agreement is not yet fully implemented. A core tenant of the agreement is the inclusion of armed groups into government and military positions. This has upset civil society leaders who view these positions as concessions to people who perpetrated violence.

At the local level, some armed groups have refused to demobilize and continued to threaten the population with illegal taxation and targeted violence. However, local Peace Committees are being established with the support of women and youth, who are negotiating local peace agreements that have led to the de-escalation of tensions in some areas. Criminal gangs also pose a threat to stability in Bangui.  

MINUSCA’s mandate was renewed on 12 November 2020. The renewal is likely to emphasize the importance of demobilizing armed groups according to the provisions of the Peace Agreement, and preparing for elections in 2020-2021.

MINUSCA ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/UNMINUSCA

MINUSCA ON FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=MINUSCA


These products are the results of academic research and intended for general information and awareness only. They include the best information publicly available at the time of publication. Routine efforts are made to update the materials; however, readers are encouraged to check the specific mission sites at https://minusca.unmissions.org/en or https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/minusca.

The Republic of South Sudan and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan – UNMISS

Last updated: 14 December 2021

South Sudanese await the arrival of South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, in Juba after peace talks in Ethiopia on June 22. (Akuot Chol/AFP/Getty Images) 

Executive Summary

from official UNMISS and UN Press websites

UNMISS’ objective is to consolidate peace and security, and help establish conditions for development in the Republic of South Sudan, with a view to strengthening the capacity of the Government of South Sudan to govern effectively and democratically and establish good relations with its neighbors.

The Security Council demanded that the Government of South Sudan immediately cease obstruction of UNMISS in the performance of its mandate, cease obstruction of international and national humanitarian actors in their delivery of aid to civilians, and facilitate free movement for the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.

Also by the text, the Council authorized the Mission “to use all necessary means necessary” to protect civilians, to create conditions suitable to the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and to support the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.  It also expressed its intention to consider “all appropriate measures” against those who take actions that undermine peace, security, and stability in South Sudan.

As a large, multidimensional peacekeeping operation – with 17,000 troops, 2,000 police and 2,000 civilians – UNMISS has been provided with significant resources and an extraordinarily ambitious mandate. Throughout its existence, UNMISS has been part of a much broader regional and international constellation of actors working to stabilize the country and encourage conflict parties to enter into a meaningful peace process. In many cases, UNMISS has played a limited supportive, coordinating, or otherwise indirect role in the overall trajectory of the country; in others, it is a central actor in the eyes of the people of South Sudan.

Source: United Nations

UNMISS ON FLICKR: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unmiss


These products are the results of academic research and intended for general information and awareness only. They include the best information publicly available at the time of publication. Routine efforts are made to update the materials; however, readers are encouraged to check the specific mission sites at https://unmiss.unmissions.org or https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/unmiss.