Peace and Security Dynamics as A Result of Conflict Intervention by United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Keywords:
Conflict Dynamics, Conflict Intervention, StructuresAbstract
The study examines chronology and nature of external interventions, including peacekeeping missions, diplomatic initiatives, and economic engagement. By assessing both positive and negative consequences, the study explored how the conflict intervention has shaped the political landscape, security dynamics, and socio-economic conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Studies on or and around United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo with respect to conflict, peace and security, portray shortcomings bordering on ineffectiveness. This presents a serious paradox and a question on conflict intervention by MONUSCO’s peace and security processes. The study objective was to interrogate peace and security dynamics in the DRC as a result of the conflict intervention by MONUSCO. The study explored Liberal Theory, Power Theory and Theory of Functionalism from which a conceptual model was drawn. The study was conducted in Eastern DRC. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was 49,871 with a unit of analysis of 21,105 civilians comprising 5052 refugees, 4053 internally displaced persons and 12,000 local traders, 16,161 MONUSCO staff, 7,895 from major none governmental organizations (NGOs), and 4,710 from the political class, the rebel groups, and immigration. The study adopted simple random stratified sampling, snowballing and purposive sampling strategies. The sample size was 384. The primary and secondary data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, observation guides, and key informant interviews. Content analysis was done for all qualitative data; statistical data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study indicate that, MONUSCO is occupational and not an interventional force and that the government forces could handle the conflict in the DRC without MONUSCO. MONUSCO is ineffective due to the long chain of command within the UN security system and that the International community wants MONUSCO to exit DRC. The study concludes that MONUSCO should exit the DRC in order to achieve peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). That MONUSCO’S presence in the DRC is both occupational and inconsequential. Therefore, MONUSCO has failed to intervene effectively in DRC and restore peace and security to a large extent. The study recommends that MONUSCO's Operational Capacity be boosted to enhance its mandate to include more robust peace enforcement measures, including disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs for ex-combatants.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2024 Robert Koome Kimathi, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Frank Khachina Matanga
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Most read articles by the same author(s)
- Charles Otieno P. Ochieng, Frank Khachina Matanga, Chrispinous Iteyo, Causes and Consequences of Post-Election Violence in Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2023): Jul-Dec 2023
- Cosmas Ekwom Kamais, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Sussy Namaemba Kimokoti, African Union Mission in Somalia Considerations for Transition and Kenya’s National Security , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 2 (2024): April-June 2024
- Winnie Winfrade Awuor Oyugi, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo, Assessing the Socio-Economic Impact of the Chinese Transfer of Values, Skills, and Technology in Infrastructural Development in Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2023): Jul-Dec 2023
- Cosmas Ekwom Kamais, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Sussy Namaemba Kimokoti, Navigating the Transition Tightrope: Challenges Posed by African Union Mission in Somalia Transition on Kenya’s National Security , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 2 (2024): April-June 2024
- Robert Santos Manana, Frank Khachina Matanga, Edmond Maloba Were, Determinants of the Root Causes and Success Factors for the East African Community Regional Force Intervention in Managing Intractable Intrastate Conflicts in the DRC , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 3 (2024): Jul-Sep 2024
- Stalin Mwenda Njeru, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Sussy Namaemba Kimokoti, Regional Factors Influencing Bilateral Trade Between Kenya and South Africa , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2023): Jul-Dec 2023
- Winnie Winfrade Awuor Oyugi, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Elijah Odhiambo, Role of Chinese Economic Diplomacy in Fostering Infrastructural Development in Kenya Since 1963 , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2023): Jul-Dec 2023
- Charles Otieno P. Ochieng, Prof. Frank Khachina Matanga, Prof. Crispinous Iteyo, The Nexus between Electoral Management System and Post-Election Violence in Kenya Since 1963 , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Oct-Dec 2024
- Jovince Okoth Kwadha Wende, Frank Khachina Matanga, Elijah Onyango Standslause Odhiambo, Challenges to Peaceful Nominations: Youth Participation in Politics in Homa Bay County, Kenya , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Oct-Dec 2024
- Robert Koome Kimathi, Pontian Godfrey Okoth, Frank Khachina Matanga, Challenges and Opportunities Faced by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Fulfilling Its Mandate for Peace and Security in the DRC , African Journal of Empirical Research: Vol. 5 No. 4 (2024): Oct-Dec 2024