It Could Happen Here
The Future of Peacekeeping In Africa
Mar 3, 2025
In this discussion, Kevin McDonald, a retired officer from the Irish Defence Forces and author of "A Life Less Ordinary," shares insights on the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He delves into the historical challenges of UN peacekeeping, particularly the Irish battalion’s experiences. The episode highlights the role of the Force Intervention Brigade and the need for a human rights-centered approach to peacekeeping. McDonald emphasizes the importance of addressing local needs in military strategies while exploring the implications of resource exploitation on conflict.
37:45
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Quick takeaways
- The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the urgent need for effective peacekeeping due to escalating violence and humanitarian crises.
- The introduction of the Force Intervention Brigade reflects a shift in UN peacekeeping strategies, emphasizing offensive capabilities to protect civilians amidst complex local and foreign dynamics.
Deep dives
Exploring the Peacekeeping Challenges in Congo
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) highlights the grave challenges of peacekeeping efforts, especially with recent advances by the M23 rebel group. Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has seen significant violence, resulting in thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis. Incidents such as mass killings and sexual assaults following jail breaks underline the urgency for effective peacekeeping. The complexities of the situation are exacerbated by the involvement of foreign private military contractors and a collapsing local security infrastructure.
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