Continuation Rather Than Culmination: The Utility of Force in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Abstract
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is the first UN force in history authorized to deliberately execute offensive operations, and since 2013 has done so against different armed groups in eastern DRC, employing robust military means such as attack helicopters, field artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial vehicles to accomplish its mandate. This study analyzes how military force has been used by UN troops and why it has been considered controversial. Using MONUSCO as a case study, it specifically examines if military force has reduced the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups, and if it has contributed to the achievement of the mission's ultimate political aim, that is protection of civilians. The analysis demonstrates that MONUSCO has struggled to overcome broad structural limitations of the UN to deploy and employ military assets; to adhere the principles of peacekeeping; to understand the utility of force in stabilization operations; and to pay enough attention to possible side effects and long-term repercussions of the offensive use of force in complex adaptive systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1158881
Entities
People
- Flavio Cala Americo Dos Reis
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College