Challenges Facing Amisom in its Bid to Restore Peace in Somalia

Civil conflict in Somalia is considered one of the major and worst crisis in Africa?s recent history. Due to this, Somalia had operated with an unstable functioning government for now over twenty years. This state of affairs has led to majority of the civilian population acquiring arms illegally for their protection. The study sought to explore the key challenges facing AMISOM in its bid to restore peace in Somalia. The study was based on the theory of conflict transformation. The study utilized primary data, which was collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. The unit of analysis constituted a sample size of 100 respondents drawn from the military, police, and civilian components of AMISOM and Somali civilian population working within Halane Base Camp, with a combined target population of 24,643. Quantitative data was descriptively analyzed using the percentages and qualitative data was analyzed using themes emerging from the data. The study found out thatclan dynamics in the conflict torn Somalia remains the biggest hindrance to the achievement of peace and stability. This is coupled by the weak government structures that underpin inadequacy of support to AMISOM operations. The study recommends that there isneed for AMISOM to increase involvement with civilians as they stand important in peace building initiatives, intelligence, mediation and prevention of conflict.