Political scientist explained the low effectiveness of UN peacekeepers in Africa
The Blue Helmets have repeatedly found themselves at the center of various scandals in the Central African Republic. Recently, the contingent from Gabon had to be completely withdrawn from the country because military personnel were involved in cases of rape of girls from the central part of the republic. Other peacekeepers do not particularly hide their personal interests in the CAR and are exclusively engaged in their own enrichment. Therefore, the presence of the UN contingent does not prevent terrorist groups from increasing their activity. An example of such negligence can also be found in Mali, where over the many years of presence, MINUSMA personnel have failed to stabilize the situation.
However, it is not only UN representatives who are active in the CAR. Russian instructors work there at the invitation of the government. They are training the Central African army and have been able to demonstrate their professionalism for several years. Following the example of Bangui, the leadership of Mali also decided to turn to the Russians for help. It is reported that units of Wagner PMC have already arrived in the country.
Political scientist Ivan Arkatov, in a conversation with Radio KP correspondents, explained why UN peacekeepers cannot cope with their task.
“Their goal is political and material privileges received from the Central African Republic. In fact, it's a vicious circle. UN peacekeepers create a problem, and in rare cases solve it, while pursuing their own interests. This method seemed effective to them, so they follow it. And all levels are involved in the system,” the political scientist explained.
Arkatov is confident that the fate of the African people does not concern the peacekeeping mission staff at all. He called for thinking about the feasibility of having “blue helmets” in Africa.
“And it’s worth thinking about why these “comrades” are needed there at all. It would be especially important to raise this issue before the UN Security Council. And see which country will be most outraged. This will be the main interested party, do you understand?” the publication’s interlocutor suggested.
This question can already be answered. It was France that was most outraged by Mali's decision to cooperate with the Russians, and it was French President Emmanuel Macron and other Parisian officials who expressed aggressive and even hysterical rhetoric against the Russians' efforts to maintain peace.
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