Why Protectors Become Predators? Violence against Civilians by AMISOM Peacekeepers in Somalia

Abstract This study investigates the phenomenon of peacekeepers resorting to lethal violence against civilians, despite their mandate to protect them. While existing literature acknowledges that some peacekeepers perpetrate human rights abuses, including sexual exploitation and excessive force, there has been a notable neglect of studies on lethal violence within the broader spectrum of peacekeeping misconduct. I propose and evaluate two explanations: the revengehypothesis, suggesting emotional responses to attacks on comrades as drivers of violence, and the show of force hypothesis, where violence is an unintentional byproduct of deterring perceived threats. Using original survey data and an event dataset from AMISOM in Somalia, I leverage the random exposure to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Results suggest that while IED attacks on peacekeepers are linked to subsequent violence against civilians, lethal force is primarily used following the loss of a fellow peacekeeper due to an IED attack, supporting the revenge mechanism. These insights reveal the intricate interplay of emotions and peacekeeping dynamics, providing insights into the origins of abusive behavior.