CIVPOL TRAINING AND MISSION EFFECTIVENESS: LESSONS FROM AMISOM AND UN OPERATIONS IN MALI
By David Oluoch Omondi, Esther Wanjiru Achieng
Research Article
CIVPOL TRAINING AND MISSION EFFECTIVENESS: LESSONS FROM AMISOM AND UN OPERATIONS IN MALI
ISSN: 3067-4417
DOI Prefix: 10.5281/zenodo.
Abstract
There remains a significant gap in understanding the impact of CIVPOL’s training programs on the operational efficiency of peacekeeping missions in Africa. Therefore, this study sought to examine the role of CIVPOL training in improving the operational efficiency of peacekeeping missions using a comparative study of MINUSMA and AMISOM. The study used institutional theory (INT) as its theoretical framework. The study used the convergent parallel mixed method design. The study was based in Somalia and Mali. The study’s target population was obtained from Somalia and Mali and included: CIVPOL officers; local police officers trained by CIVPOL; senior lecturers and professors; representatives from civil society organizations; representatives from the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations; and African Standby Force trainers. Both questionnaires and KIIs were used to gather primary data. The study used purposive sampling to select a sample of 409 respondents. However, the study’s primary data was obtained from 314 (out of 385) complete questionnaire responses and 24 KIIs. On the other hand, a desk review was used to gather secondary data from relevant publications. The study analyzed qualitative aspects of the collected data using content analysis while quantitative aspects were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative results were displayed through pie charts, tables, and graphs to facilitate data visualization, while qualitative insights were presented thematically in narrative form. The key findings demonstrated that the general level of effectiveness delivered by CIVPOL training was very effective with a score of 4 on a 5-point Likert scale, though there were considerable differences in AMISOM's and UN Mali's priorities. The local cultural sensitivity is greatly emphasized in the AMISOM training, while UN missions in Mali tend to stress human rights and legal knowledge. The study also found that the challenges facing CIVPOL training in both MINUSMA and AMISOM included resource constraints, cultural insensitivity, lack of local cooperation, training methodology issues, and communication barriers. Lastly, the study found that a focus on personalized training programs, resource optimization, enhanced language support, cultural sensitivity programs, and strengthening local partnerships was consistent with effective mission outcomes. This study concludes that CIVPOL training plays a crucial role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of peacekeeping missions in Africa, particularly in MINUSMA and AMISOM. The study recommended dedicating a budget for CIVPOL training, incorporating, local cultural training, and developing the language proficiency of CIVPOL’s personnel for improving CIVPOL training.