Counterinsurgency Strategies and the Approach to Peace in Somalia: An Appraisal of the African Union

Abstract

This chapter examines the African Union’s (AU) counterinsurgency (COIN) strategies and peace approach and employs an empirical case study of the AU’s most comprehensive ever peace support operation – the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). By focusing on AMISOM’s strategies and experiences, the chapter will illuminate key strategic and political lessons in terms of both positive and negative aspects of this multi-dimensional force that emerged between various actors and stakeholders. The chapter considers how AMISON strove to accomplish its objectives within the framework of a wider debate about the emerging African peace and security architecture. It further provides an overview and analysis of the Somali authorities and Somali insurgent movement: harakat al-Shabaab. The chapter presents an overview of the evolution of AMISOM in 2007 through to 2013 and analyzes the strategic challenges faced by AMISOM since its inception as well as constructive model for a lasting peace. Finally, the chapter considers the key strategic and operational lessons that can be drawn from the AU’s management and peace support capabilities in place using the Somalia case.