Challenges of United Nations Military Observers in the Contemporary Peacekeeping Operation Environment in Africa

Abstract

United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs) are now targeted by Armed Groups (AGs) due to the change of  Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs)  practice from a traditional one to the modern one which involves the use of  force. The  use of force has caused AGs to be violent and start attacking all  peacekeepers as a reprisal. This article uses the  theory of collective security to analyses the challenges of UNMOs operations in the  contemporary PKOs environment in  Africa. The study used both primary  and secondary data qualitatively. The sample of the study was selected by a  purposive sampling technique and in-depth interview and documentary  review methods have been used to collect data.  The article concludes that  UNMOs are ineffective under the contemporary PKOs settings and therefore military  contingents are to do the tasks of UNMOs.