The Journal on African-Centred Solutions in Peace and Security

African Union Forces Mandates and their Implications for the Fight Against Al-Shabaab in Somalia

Jacqueline NAKAIZA Ph.D, Charlotte Karungi Ph.D., Zaid SEKITO Ph.D. — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the implications of the African Union (AU) Mandate in Somalia. It focuses on peace support operations, support to political settlements, and the reduction of the threat posed by Al-Shabaab. The sustenance of the insurgency has partly been blamed on the continued deployment of foreign troops and their role in enabling the survival of the nascent foreign-backed Federal Government (Namatovu, 2023). As a result, there is a need to interrogate the mandate of the forces and why they have failed to eliminate Al Shabaab from Somalia. Drawing on Rational Institutionalist theory, we argue that the mandate of a regional mission determines the extent to which it counters insurgency and contributes to peaceful political settlements. To achieve their mandated objectives, AU-led forces adopted several measures regarding the conduct of operations, stabilisation, protection of civilians, humanitarian assistance, capacity-building, and training. This was despite challenges such as logistical issues, mistrust between partners, the absence of a shared strategy, insufficient intelligence, a sensitive relationship with the host government, and the complexity of clan politics in Somalia. The paper argues that the country continues to require foreign security assistance and is not prepared to assume full security responsibilities. Going forward, creating a strong, militarily effective Somali security apparatus should be a prerequisite for AU forces to withdraw. This can guarantee the long-term sustainability of efforts to resolve the intractable conflict. This should be followed by a national political strategy that allows Somalia’s future to be shaped by Somalis.

Navigating Political Fragility: The Challenges of Women Peacebuilders in Militarised Political Contexts in Africa

Zainab Monisola OLAITAN Ph.D., Mary Bukola TAIWO — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Considering that unconstitutional changes of government (UCGs) border around the human and political security of the continent, a crucial question is, what are the challenges women peacebuilders face following UCGs? Using Chad and Niger as case studies and drawing on feminist theory, this paper examines the challenges women encounter in the execution of their peace work in countries that have experienced UCGs. This work includes mediation, community mobilisation, education, and raising awareness of income-generating activities, amongst others. This paper finds that although women are actively participating in fostering peace at the grassroots level, UCGs make their work more challenging due to rising insecurity, suppression of freedoms, and exacerbation of systemic gender discrimination. It notes that without a resolution to the broader issue of UCGs, women peacebuilders will find it challenging to participate in peacebuilding in these contexts. Finally, the paper concludes that addressing the challenges women peacebuilders face and adopting a human security approach to UCGs are essential for sustaining women’s contribution to peace and security.

Security Governance and the Necessity for Community-led Approaches in Nigeria

Peter Mark JATAU, Nsemba Edward LENSHIE Ph.D., Al Chukwuma OKOLI Ph.D. — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A number of community-led initiatives have emerged in response to Nigeria’s deepening security crisis. Using broken windows theory as its conceptual frame, this paper examines several examples of community policing in the country, to explore the factors which shape the effectiveness of local security actors. It finds that community-led policing succeeds where legal recognition, oversight, and intergroup trust are present and fails where fragmentation and impunity persist. The study proposes the refinement of community-led security mechanisms by better integrating them into Nigeria’s national architecture, while also contributing to broader debates on hybrid security governance in fragile states.

Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland and Violent Extremism in Burkina Faso

Ayabavi Linda Ophélie COMLAN SESSI Ph.D. — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In response to the security vacuum and the limited effectiveness of military intervention in the fight against violent extremism, Burkina Faso has opted for a strategy based on citizen participation through the creation of Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP). Since 2022, this initiative has become the cornerstone of the national security strategy. This article aims to analyse the need for strategic anticipation in managing the evolving role of the VDP. To this end, a structural constructivist approach was employed to understand the role of VDPs in combating violent extremism. The study is based on qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews and documentary research. A total of 59 stakeholders, including representatives from public institutions, media professionals, research institutions, community and religious leaders, teacher-researchers, and a select group of the public, were interviewed. The information gathered was presented in verbatim form and subjected to content analysis. It has become clear that, while VDPs have played a crucial role in strengthening community security and supporting conventional forces, their long-term trajectory remains uncertain. Their growing presence raises essential political and social questions, including the risks of inter-community violence and the erosion of state legitimacy. The article argues that Burkina Faso needs to rethink the future of VDPs as part of a broader strategy of post-violent extremism governance. Drawing on community security models and post-crisis reintegration frameworks, the article emphasises the importance of disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR), as well as socio-economic support mechanisms, in the context of reintegration, to prevent long-term instability.