Civil-Military Cooperation of African Mission in Somalia as Tool of Peace-Building: A Case of Kismayo District, Lower Jubaland, Somalia (2011-2020)

Abstract

The conflict in Somalia presents a typical example of crisis where sometimes the international response is at odd with the wishes of local administration and community hence hampering the outcomes of peacebuilding. However, Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) has emerged as a key determinant of successful peacekeeping operation and a tool of enhancing peacebuilding. This study examined the wide array of approaches to CIMIC activities undertaken by African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops in Kismayo district of Somalia from year 2011 to 2020. The specific objectives of this study were to explore the extent to which CIMIC has been used as a tool for peacebuilding, to examine the types of partnerships used by peace actors in executing CIMIC programs and to assess the outcomes of the AMISOM CIMIC programs in fostering peacebuilding in Kismayo. The study was anchored on liberal peacebuilding, state building and democratization theories. The target population of the study included residents of Kismayo district entailing community leaders, humanitarian workers, civil society, Jubaland Security Forces (JSF) and AMISOM troops operating in the district. Onwuegbuzie and Collins typology of determining sample size in social science research was used to arrive at a sample size of 200 respondents. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews guide and Focused Group Discussions guide. Secondary data was sourced from published books, e-books, journals, reports, newsletters and conference papers. Collected data was grouped, corroborated, and presented using both quantitative and the qualitative research techniques in themes corresponding the objectives of the study. The study found out that 97% of Kismayo residents felt that AMISOM CIMIC program had reduced conflicts in the district, 83% felt that the security sector was effective in ensuring security and safety of the population. The study also found that demobilization, disarmament and reintegration CIMIC program had reduced chances of violent clashes in Kismayo by 89% chance. Al-Shabaab terror gang continued to threaten the peace efforts in Kismayo. The study recommends that more donor funding be channeled to Federal Governments of Somalia so that they develop strong security sector capable of defeating peace spoilers such as Al-Shabaab