The Role of External Assistance and Neutral Leadership in Successful African Union Peacekeeping Initiatives: An Investigation of Burundi and Somalia

Abstract

Peacekeeping initiatives on the African continent are an important tool in de-escalating conflict and providing humanitarian aid. Despite their utility, some regional peacekeeping initiatives are more effective than others, raising the question: what factors cause an African Union peacekeep-ing mission to succeed or fail? This paper answers this question by exploring the African Union’s Mission in Burundi (AMIB) and in Somalia (AMISOM). In comparing both missions, I find that neutral leadership and an influx of external resources are crucial to ensuring a successful peace-keeping mission in the African Union.