Pursuing human security in Africa through developmental peace missions : ambitious construct or feasible ideal?

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis explores the feasibility of the concept Developmental Peace Missions (DPMs). Itseeks to answer the question whether DPMs is an ambitious construct or a feasible ideal andwhether DPMs could be effectively applied during peace missions. The study takes the form of adescriptive analysis of the theoretical underpinnings of the concept of DPMs, and includes theanalysis of various relevant case studies in terms of the application of the concept of DPMs.The study further explores the evolution that has taken place in terms of United Nations peacemissions, in that most modern peace missions include both peacekeeping and peacebuildinginitiatives. The study also illustrates the modern approach to peace missions, based on anintegrated systems-thinking approach by means of which the activities of all relevant role-playersare integrated and fused towards a common end state: that of sustained security anddevelopment. In order to analyse the concept of DPMs, the theoretical underpinnings of theconcept human security, the security-development nexus and peacebuilding were researched indepth. These concepts were then coupled to the concept of DPMs in terms of their utility duringcurrent complex peace missions, both internationally and on the African continent.The concept of DPMs was studied in the context of contemporary peacekeeping in terms of threecase studies, namely the peace missions in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and the DRC. The DPMsconcept was applied to these case studies and analysed in terms of the extent to which the peaceinterventions in these countries were conducted in accordance with the philosophical andtheoretical underpinnings of DPMs.The study concludes that DPMs, in terms of its theoretical basis, is indeed a feasible ideal forpeace missions, as it is based on and in line with the approved current UN- and AU-integratedplanning processes. However, in terms of its practical utility in Africa, it currently remains anambitious construct, given the limited capacity and resources of the AU and regionalorganisations. Therefore, DPMs should not be viewed as a short-term solution to, or panacea for,all intra-state wars. The study proposes that the UN, the AU, as well as relevant regionalorganisations will have to adjust and make changes in terms of their institutions, structures,funding and the provision of resources in order to operationalise the concept of DPMssuccessfully. This is especially true as far as the AU is concerned, as the AU currentlyexperiences severe limitations in both material and human resources. However, the fact that boththe UN and the AU have adopted the Integrated Mission Planning Process concept as planningtool for their respective missions is an indication that progress is being made towards theachievement of establishing a more holistic and integrated approach to finding sustainablesolutions to global conflict. Ultimately, the success of DPMs will be determined by the will andcommitment of all the relevant role-players involved in finding a lasting solution to intra-stateconflicts. The concept itself cannot provide sustainable peace and development.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University