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Countering Terrorism through Peace Support Operations, Lessons from the African Union Mission in Somalia

2023; Brill; Volume: 26; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1163/18754112-26040005

1875-4112

Bitania Tadesse,

Global Peace and Security Dynamics

Abstract The African Union ( au ) has responded to the political and security crisis in Somalia by deploying the au Mission in Somalia ( amisom ) in 2007. The amisom was au ’s largest and the most complex peace support operation and one of its strategic objectives became degrading Al-Shabaab and reducing the threat posed by terrorist groups. While amisom has contributed to reducing the territorial spread of the group, over the past 16 years, it has at a heavy cost of counterterrorism operations deployed in extremely risky conditions, resulting in high cost of human life. Drawing on some of the lessons of amisom , this paper examines the effectiveness and sustainability of African-led Peace Support Operations in countering terrorism. The paper illustrates some of the shortfalls of military heavy response and makes the case for a conceptual framework (comprehensive approach), for dealing with the threat of terrorism in Somalia driven by a number of underlying political, economic and social factors. Finally, the paper reflects on how amisom has shaped continental policies and responses to insecurity.