Peacekeeping in Sierra Leone and Mali

Author

Ishaka Kondeh, CUNY City CollegeFollow

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Department

International Relations

First Advisor

Jean Krasno

Second Advisor

Nicholas Rush Smith

Abstract

This thesis examines the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions in promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and implementing Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs in post-conflict Sierra Leone and Mali. By analyzing the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), this research explores the impact of these missions on Mali still in conflict and long-term peacebuilding. The study focuses on three critical areas: supporting democratic governance, ensuring human rights protections, and successfully reintegrating former combatants into society. Through a comparative approach, this research analyzes why some peacekeeping missions succeed and then fail. Identifies the successes and challenges of peacekeeping efforts in both countries, emphasizing the role of local political dynamics, security conditions, and international support. The thesis argues that while peacekeeping contributed positively to the democratization process, human rights protections and DDR implementation in Sierra Leone were successful, and in Mali, persistent challenges related to political instability, security threats, and economic difficulties have hindered the full realization of these goals. Lessons from both missions provide insights into improving future peacekeeping operations in fragile states.

Recommended Citation

Kondeh, Ishaka, "Peacekeeping in Sierra Leone and Mali" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1201