Protracted Conflicts and Peacekeeping Strategy Assessing the United Nations’ Role in the Central African Republic

Abstract

The research article examines the efficacy of the United Nations peacekeeping strategy in resolving protracted conflicts in the Central African Republic (2014–2023), underpinned by Liberal Peace theory. Using a mixed concurrent methodology, data was collected from MINUSCA personnel, residents, NGO workers, and local administrators in Vakaga Prefecture, Birao Subprefecture, a conflict hotspot. A sample of 311 respondents was selected through convenience and random sampling. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, analysed thematically for qualitative data, and descriptively with SPSS for quantitative data. Findings indicated a significant reduction in violent conflict in Vakaga, though civilian-targeted incidents persist. MINUSCA's strategies effectively resolved protracted conflicts by preventing escalation, disarming armed groups, providing humanitarian aid, establishing safe zones for civilians, and supporting democratic electoral processes through dialogue and mediation. The study recommends extending MINUSCA's mandate to focus on transformative strategies, linking the peace process to justice mechanisms, strengthening CAR's national capacity to protect citizens from threats, and ensuring sustainable conflict resolution