Supply Support and Mission Performance in African Peace Support Operations: Evidence from the African Union Mission in Somalia

Maxmillian Akello Okech, Benard Lango and Violet Simiyu
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Email: maxakello@gmail.com

Abstract: Reliable supply support is essential to the performance of peace support operations operating in insecure, infrastructure-constrained and geographically dispersed environments. This study examined the relationship between the adequacy and timeliness of supply support and mission performance in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). An embedded mixed-methods design was used, with a dominant quantitative strand complemented by qualitative evidence. The target population comprised 250 AMISOM and United Nations Support Office in Somalia personnel involved in logistics. One hundred respondents were sampled for the questionnaire, of whom 85 participated, while qualitative data were obtained from 10 key informants and two focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings indicated weaknesses in timely delivery, emergency resupply, supply monitoring, communication and coordination. Respondents also reported that supply delays disrupted mission schedules and that inadequate supplies affected troop morale and readiness. Pearson correlation showed a moderate positive and statistically significant relationship between supply support and mission performance (r = .452, p = .003). Qualitative findings linked supply difficulties to insecurity, poor infrastructure, lengthyapproval procedures and fragmented coordination. The study concludes that supply support is a strategic operational capability rather than a routine administrative function. It recommends integrated supply-chain coordination, improved supply visibility and stronger emergency replenishment arrangements for African peace support operations.