Fragmented peacekeeping in Somalia

In this DIIS Policy Brief, the regional interests that shape the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are being explored.

Insight is provided on the role of Ethiopia and Kenya within the mission and how a focus on border security is their main preoccupation. This situation is compounded by historically tense relations between Addis-Ababa and Mogadishu, and a number of spectacular attacks by al-Shabaab on Kenyan territory.

In sum, national interests rather than the stabilization of Somalia drive the agenda of individual troop-contributing countries. That is the reason why AMISOM represents a case of fragmented peacekeeping.

This policy brief is one out of three, which explores issues relating to Somalia’s peace process, and in particular AMISOM’s role in it.