United Nations peacekeeping and the protection of civilians: the case of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA)

Abstract

This study examines the role of United Nations peacekeeping operations in the protection of civilians, using the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei as a case study. Abyei, a contested border region between Sudan and South Sudan, has long been plagued by intercommunal violence, political instability and competing territorial claims, which have collectively posed significant threats to civilian populations. In response, the UN Security Council established UNISFA in 2011 under Resolution 1990, with a mandate that includes protecting civilians under imminent threat of physical violence. Despite the mandate, the mission's effectiveness in fulfilling its PoCs responsibilities remains a subject of ongoing concern. In order to contribute to the growing discourse on the challenges and prospects of UN peacekeeping in fragile and contested environments, this study adopts a qualitative methodology, drawing on both primary sources, such as government documents, and secondary sources, including UN reports, academic literature, and policy documents. The findings reveal that while UNISFA has made some progress in maintaining relative stability and deterring large-scale violence, its ability to protect civilians has been hampered by several challenges. These include limited resources, restrictive rules of engagement, unclear mandate interpretation, and the absence of a political process to address the root causes of conflict in Abyei. Additionally, the mission’s military-centric structure, lack of robust civilian components, and weak engagement with local populations have further constrained its capacity to deliver comprehensive protection of civilians. The study recommends that effective PoCs in peacekeeping contexts like Abyei requires a multidimensional approach that goes beyond mere physical protection to include political engagement, community-based protection strategies, and the strengthening of local institutions. It underscores the need for context-specific peacekeeping strategies that align with both the protection needs of civilians and the political realities on the ground. As such, the study’s overall conclusion is that a review of UNISFA’s mandate to include a stronger civilian protection component, transitioning of UNISFA into a multi-dimensional mission with a robust civilian presence, strengthening political engagement and diplomacy, improving engagement with local communities, adoption of gender-sensitive peacebuilding, and investment in capacity building and strong accountability systems ought to be undertaken.