Civil-Military Cooperation of African Mission in Somalia as Tool of Peace-building in Kismayo District, Lower Jubbaland, Somalia (2011-2020)

The conflict in Somalia presents a typical example of crisis where sometimes the international response is at odd with the wishes of local administration and community. Whereas debate on the most appropriate and sustainable approach to resolving complex conflict like the one in Somalia continues, Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) has emerged as a key determinant of successful peacekeeping operation. Whereas the scope of activities under the rubric of CIMIC is this article analyzed SSR carried out by AMISOM troops in Kismayo District of Somalia from year 2011 to 2020 as a thematic area of security enhancement. The study was anchored on liberal peacebuilding, state building and democratization theories. The target population of the study included residents of Kismayo district entailing community leaders, humanitarian workers, civil society, Jubbaland Security Forces (JSF) and AMISOM troops operating in the district. Onwuegbuzie and Collins (2007) typology of determining sample size in social science research was used to arrive at a sample size of 200 respondents. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews guide and Focused Group Discussions guide. Secondary data was sourced from published books, e-books, journals, reports, newsletters and conference papers. Collected data was grouped, corroborated, and presented using both quantitative and the qualitative research techniques in themes corresponding the objectives of the study. The study found out that 97% of Kismayo residents felt that AMISOM CIMIC program had reduced conflicts in the district, 83% felt that the security sector was effective in ensuring security and safety of the population. The study also found that demobilization, disarmament and reintegration CIMIC program had reduced chances of violent clashes in Kismayo by 89% chance. Al-Shabaab terror gang continued to threaten the peace efforts in Kismayo. The study recommends that more donor funding be channeled to Federal Governments of Somalia so that they develop strong security sector capable of defeating peace spoilers such as Al-Shabaab.