Challenges to the Execution of the UN Mandate in Central African Republic

Abstract

United Nations (UN) Peace Keeping Operations (PKOs) are often faced with numerous challenges. These include lack of clarity in implementation procedures, environmental challenges including language as well as, different customs, and ideology existing within the mission groups among others. This study sought to examine the challenges to the execution of the UN Mandate with reference to the “UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic”, (MINUSCA). Data was obtained from books, e-books, journals, UN publications and websites. The collected data was analyzed thematically so as to establish the efficacy of UN intervention in light of the identified contemporary challenges. The findings show that the execution of the UN Mandate in the Central African Republic is implemented in a complex environment. The UN during its planning for PKOs may have not considered the national institutional capabilities in CAR that were expected to support MINUSCA in the execution of its Mandate. It can also be concluded that challenges to the MNUSCA mandate execution lie in the ability and capability of the rehatted troops from MISCA to MINUSCA which emanated from the inherent inability of the UN to raise enough troops for its PKOs. In this regard, the principles of peacekeeping; impartiality, consent and non-UoF except in self-defense as well as the defense of the mandate must be reviewed so as to be effective in contemporary PKOs.