Peacekeeping and Protection of Civilians in African Conflicts; A Case Study of MONUC in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 1999 to the Present

Abstract

The recorded history of mankind is a relentless succession of violent conflicts. The reality of many civilians caught up in armed conflicts and other situations of violence, especially in Africa, is desperate; they need protection. This is particularly true with regard to the DRC which has been in a state of war since 1994 when the Rwandan Genocide spilled across its borders. Consequently, the slaughter that has been taking place there represents what some have referred to as the greatest bloodletting since World War II. The United Nations (UN) has had a long history of attempts to protect civilians but it was not long ago that civilian protection acquired international prominence at the UN Security Council and in other international organizations. One of the most important developments has been the rise to prominence of the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ principle which has dictated that peacekeepers are increasingly mandated to ensure that civilians are protected in armed conflicts. But in most cases, peacekeepers have not been able to protect them. This study draws illustrations of the protection challenges from the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC/MONUSCO), from 1999 to the present. This country has experienced both extensive international engagement and some of the most severe and sustained civilian protection challenges in Africa. The study presents recommendations on how civilians can be better protected in peacekeeping operations.