The impact of international peacekeeping in Somalia governance: A case study of AMISOM's role in political stabilization

In the post-World War II era, international peacekeeping operations took on a new dimension with the rise of internal conflicts and the need to intervene in collapsed state structures. In this context, the collapse of the central government, the proliferation of armed groups, and the emergence of terrorist organizations have posed major challenges to international peace and security in the case of Somalia. The state vacuum that emerged after the overthrow of the Siad Barre regime in 1991 left Somalia facing civil war, political fragmentation, and institutional collapse. This situation threatens regional stability and the global security balance, and the intervention of the international community has become imperative. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), established by the African Union in 2007, was tasked with addressing this crisis and restoring peace in Somalia. Initially limited to conflict containment and civilian protection, the mission evolved to play a broader role in building political stability, strengthening federal structures, and supporting democratization processes. The primary objective of this study is to critically analyze AMISOM's impact, successes, and challenges in building political stability in Somalia. The study employs a qualitative design based on a systematic literature review and case analysis. In addition to AMISOM's military successes, it also evaluates the mission's political support to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), its contribution to the electoral process, its support for local governance and administrative infrastructure, and its role in restoring public perceptions of security. The study also examines the mission's relationship with the local community, its legal issues, and the limitations of international support mechanisms. AMISOM has provided a relatively safe and stable environment in Somalia, but this stability has not been sustained due to structural political problems, weak institutions, and a lack of social consensus. The AMISOM experience demonstrates that peacekeeping operations should encompass not only the post-conflict period but also the process of political governance and state-building. In this context, this study is of great importance to policymakers and academics in future peacekeeping operations in similar crisis regions.