An Integrated Approach to Counter Insurgency: A Burundi Case Study
Abstract
Since the 1960s, insurgency has occupied the center stage of violent conflicts in the Great Lakes Region of Africa (GLRA). While the main reason has oftentimes been bad governance, the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has favored insurgency. As governmental forces lack control of this area, insurgents from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi enjoy it as a safe haven. From 1994 to 2006, Burundi was attacked from that area until the Arusha accord led to democratic elections in 2005. Five years later, while observers did not notice any major anomaly, a number of former rebels and some political parties' leaders have contested the 2010 election and are initiating a new insurgency. Using guerilla tactics as a means to achieve political ends, insurgents oppose the Government of Burundi (GB) on the outcome of the 2010 election. However, the Government labels them as bandits. As Carlos Ospina has stated, "no matter what the enemy is called, successful counter insurgency depends on a thorough understanding of the enemy and his real intention." Thus, consistent with this idea, an integrated approach is advocated. It is premised on a strategy using ends, ways, and means to correct the trajectory of the current counter insurgency effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA563057
Entities
People
- Salvator Siyabo
Organizations
- United States Army War College