Department of Political Science

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Browsing Department of Political Science by Author "Basson, Hugo Amos Willem"

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    South Africa and peacekeeping : the case of Rwanda
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1998-03) Basson, Hugo Amos Willem; Breytenbach, W.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Poltical Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study aims to develop an answer for South Africa's non-willingness to supply an active peacekeeping force to Rwanda, even after appeals from other states. Secondly, this research report aims to, at the same time, look at possible alternative roles which South Africa can play. Thirdly, it aims to make an assumption regarding the South African government's policy, regarding peacekeeping. The research traces the Rwandan conflict since 1990 until 1995-1996 in order to convey necessary background information to the reader, since this is the case study providing the basis of the report's focus. Since Rwanda and South Africa are part of the developing world, and this study concentrates on mainly security issues, it is important to focus on these issues. Security questions pertaining to the developing world such as military interventions and civil strife will be seen as major role-players. It will also become clear that most security issues in the developing world, is civil/socially orientated. The role, problems and usage of peacekeepers must also be discussed since this is one of the elements of the report's focus. Conclusions made will indicate that large contingencies of peacekeepers are usually not needed and that the main problem regarding peacekeeper over a prolonged period, is cost. Since South Africa does not apparently have the budgetary freedom nor the wisdom to conduct such operation alone, certain organisations such as the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity, the SADC, etc. may play leading roles in providing financial, technical and other support for such operations. The question remains what other organisations may be utilised in supprt of peacekeeping operations? This is though to come in the answer of the non-governmental organisation since they usually already posses a knowledge of the people involved, and are familiar with power distribution. It is thought though that South Africa did not take part in any peacekeeping operation due to internal pressures, such as the transformation process within the SANDF and budgetary constraints. South Africa possesses some enabling criteria such as a proffessional and highly skilled defence force and some unique equipment. It is therefore believed that South Africa should rather focus on its enabling criteria, or even play a tertiary role such as using its charismatic political leaders in order facilitate and mediate conflicts.