Politics and peacekeeping

I am writing again about peacekeeping. And for sure, one of my conclusions is that the UN peacekeeping operations need to have a solid backing from the Security Council, when it comes to their role in political transitions and negotiation. It is not enough to have the military, police and civilian establishments solidly established in the mission. The head of the mission can only fulfill his or her role if the political mandate is clear, fully supported by the Council and by other key stakeholders such as the countries in the region. In a case of national crisis, the political muscle is critical. It has to be there, at the centre of the mission, without ambiguity.