Under what conditions are drones effective in protecting civilians in armed conflict? And what shapes support for their use for civilian protection in armed conflict? Drones have been adopted into international peacekeeping operations for the protection of civilians in armed conflict based on the expectation of effectiveness in performing difficult tasks with limited risks. However, in the security studies literature, the question of the effectiveness of drones has been primarily explored within the context of the War on Terror. We know little about drones' effectiveness in non-combat areas like civilian protection in peacekeeping. This dissertation fills this gap by focusing on questions that emerge at the intersection of the fields of emerging technologies, peacekeeping, and civilian protection, political violence, and broader security studies, with the aim of extending this literature and providing policymakers and scholars a framework for conceptualizing emerging technologies for civilian protection in armed conflict. Empirically, it employs qualitative evidence consisting of document reviews, archival work, and expert interviews with officials at the UN headquarters and mission levels, mission intelligence officers, peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers in assessing the effectiveness of drones in peacekeeping for civilian protection. It additionally employs an original survey and a survey experiment among civilian adult populations in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to examine what shapes civilian support for the adoption of drones in peacekeeping. Overall, this dissertation provides valuable insights for both scholars and policymakers who, due to the limited research on this subject, often base assumptions about drone effectiveness in other domains like peacekeeping on their performance in combat contexts.

This thesis is about the situation in the DR Congo from the time of the Belgian colony till the present. It discusses the historical development of the country, bloody conflicts in the end of the 20th century and the OSN mission MONUC which operates in the country. All of this is influenced by the potential of natural resources that can raise the country from the developing countries group, but it can cause also a deeper slump.

The environmental aspects of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping is not as popularly known to thegeneral public as its socio-economic issues. This thesis work looks at UN peacekeeping from theenvironmental perspective by carrying out an environmental review of peacekeeping in the NorthKivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo using ISO 14001 as model.Chapter one describes sustainable development as a shared responsibility and the need to ensurebalance in the social, economic and environmental issues in the pursuit of peace in host nationsduring peacekeeping.Chapter two summarizes the key issues in ISO 14001 and the requirements for conducting anenvironmental review. In chapter three, the research methodology is highlighted and chapter fourgives an overview of UN peace and security actions and the interaction among other peaceinstruments and peacekeeping. That chapter also highlights peacekeeping in Africa and in the DRCwith emphasis on the North Kivu province.The results obtained from the environmental review are presented in chapter five and the analysis ofthe result based on the ‘three party model tool for ethical risk analysis’ presented in chapter six.The research findings revealed that, the United Nations peacekeeping operations have environmentalaspects which the author identified to include emissions to air, waste, energy consumption, chemicalsusage, discharge to water, training, water consumption, exploration of resources, location/land useand fire and other uncontrolled activities. The environmental impacts and ethical risk analysis of theidentified aspects were also assessed.Conclusions and recommendations are given in Chapter seven which include the need for the UnitedNations to implement an effective environmental management system to handle its significantenvironmental aspects.

Master of Agribusiness / Agricultural Economics / Vincent R. Amanor-Boadu / The rapidly changing economic environment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) offers significant opportunities for businesses. The food and agribusiness sector is one of the major opportunities for growth given that increasing incomes are going to enhance the food and nutrition security needs of an increasing segment of the population. Animal protein in the form of chicken meat and eggs are relatively inexpensive and offer an opportunity for entry and differentiation in a markets located in DR Congo’s largest cities of Kinshasa and Kananga. This thesis uses the case of Z-CO Farm in DR Congo to explore the strategic opportunities for small-scale egg production in a low-income but growing country. Having been in operation for a number of years, Z-CO Farms has been producing chicken eggs for the general consumer market. This thesis explores the opportunity to differentiate the market that Z-CO Farms targets with the view to enhance its competitiveness, expand the market boundaries and create new value for customers that produce significant rewards. The off-take for the project is the creation of Blue Ocean markets for chicken eggs in a market that is increasingly exposed to food safety risks by assuring consumers a safe product. This project, when implemented, would be the first in DR Congo. However, would it be profitable? Under what conditions would it be profitable? We employ three primary methods to answer the foregoing questions. First, we evaluate the literature and the available secondary data. Second, we use an economic and financial model to develop the foundation for conducting the analyses for assessing the feasibility of building a small-scale table egg production system to address the emerging higher income consumers in DR Congo. We draw on the blue ocean strategy eloquently presented by Kim and Mauborgne for insight and guidance in building a unique product and service offering for the identified markets in Kinshasa and Kananga. We assess four strategies: the base scenario of the current market conditions where Z-CO maintains its commodity red ocean engagement in the market; innovating its feeding program for the birds; pursuing a market segmentation program whereby it offers high value food safety value proposition to the middle and upper-middle class of consumers; and a combination of a feed innovation and market segmentation initiative. The results show that while the first two strategies returned a positive net present value (NPV) in Kananga, they failed in Kinshasa. This is because of the level of competition in Kinshasa compared to Kananga as well as the cost of operations in the two locations. The results also show that while the remaining two strategies were profitable in both markets, they offered higher NPV and internal rates of return in Kananga than in Kinshasa. The best outcome in operating in both cities involved the fourth strategy, producing a combined NPV of about $493,867. The principal driver for this superior performance in Kananga is cost of feed. There is, therefore, value in thinking about how to leverage this cost advantage in Kananga to enhance the profitability in Kinshasa because of the population and income advantage in the latter. The study provides insights for the management of Z-CO to pursue their future investment planning and in selecting the locations and size of their operations to maximize their NPV and IRR. It also identifies the principal sources of risks that Z-CO’s management must avoid or effectively manage to achieve their desired business outcomes.

A l’image du bassin du Congo, la République Démocratique du Congo (République Démocratique du Congo) fait face à une réduction de la qualité et de la superficie de son couvert forestier. La présente étude avait pour objectif d’étudier l’effet de l’anthropisation, à travers la présence et les activités humaines sur la dynamique des paysages forestiers en République Démocratique du Congo. L’écologie du paysage, en tant que science pluridisciplinaire offre une très bonne approche à travers les indices et une méthodologie alliant la structure et la composition du paysage pour mettre en évidence les causes et les conséquences des processus écologiques. Ces approches sont basées sur le fait que en analysant la structure du paysage, des déductions utiles au sujet des processus écologiques fondamentaux peuvent être faites et vice versa. Les résultats ont montré, en quantifiant la dynamique spatio-temporelle de l’occupation du sol et par l’analyse et la caractérisation de la structure spatiale, que l’anthropisation est le moteur de la dynamique dans ces milieux forestiers. L’impact humain se traduit par une déstabilisation ou un dysfonctionnement des écosystèmes forestiers entraînant la dégradation, la fragmentation et la déforestation. Ainsi il a été montré que la proximité des villes est fortement corrélée à la dégradation et la perte d’habitats forestiers. Cela est fonction de l’importance socio-économique de ces villes car plus la ville est importante, plus elle attire la population ; que la densité de la population influence la fragmentation et l’incursion dans la forêt se fait en suivant les pistes et les routes mises en place généralement par les sociétés d’exploitation forestière. Le tout amplifié par la situation socio-économique difficile des populations et le manque de politiques de gestion appropriées de la part des gestionnaires publiques. Cette dynamique régressive du paysage forestier en République Démocratique du Congo aura une incidence négative sur les cycles climatiques globaux vu que le bassin du Congo est le plus grand bloc forestier après le bloc de l’Amazonie. La présente étude est donc un argument supplémentaire qui milite en faveur de la nécessité de prendre en compte les caractéristiques des populations locales dans les programmes de gestion de la forêt du bassin du Congo pour un meilleur équilibre écologique de la planète. / Like Congo basin, Democratic Republic of Congo’s forest covers are facing their reduction in quality and size. This study aimed to investigate the effect of human impact on forest landscape dynamics in DR Congo, through the human presence and its activities. Landscape ecology as a multidisciplinary science offers a very good approach through the index and a methodology combining the structure and the composition of the landscape to highlight the causes and the consequences of ecological processes. These approaches are based on the fact that by analyzing the structure of landscape, useful deductions about the underlying ecological processes can be made and vice versa. By quantifying the spatio-temporal dynamics of land use and by analysis and characterization of spatial structure, our results showed that anthropization is the driver of the dynamics in these forest environments. Human impact results in a destabilization or a dysfunction of the forest ecosystems involving degradation, fragmentation and deforestation. Thus it was shown that proximity to cities is strongly correlated to the degradation and loss of forest habitats. This depends on the socioeconomic importance of these cities because more the city is important, more it attracts people. Population density influences the fragmentation and the incursion into the forest is done by following the tracks and roads generally implemented by the logging companies. All amplified by socio-economic problems of population and lack of appropriate management policies on the part of public managers.This regressive dynamic forest landscape in République Démocratique du Congo will have a negative impact on global climate cycles because the Congo Basin is the largest forest block after Amazonia block. This study is another argument which advocates the need to take into account the characteristics of local population in forest management programs in the Congo Basin for a better ecological balance of planet.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): one of the richest nations in natural resources; one of the poorest in human rights. In the past decades, DRC has undergone two civil wars, alongside with a history of exploitive colonization. In North Kivu Province, DRC’s most volatile province, non-government organizations (NGOs) take leading roles to provide welfare for marginalized groups, such as orphans, children involved in armed conflicts or living on the streets. This case study aims to describe how two local NGOs operate in order to explore the ways they are making use of social capital to empower marginalized children in North Kivu Province. I chose empowerment and social capital theories combined with a contextualized model of analysis created by the author and based on meaning condensation to analyze the interviews collected from eight workers from NGOs specialized in child welfare. The main findings (1) reinforce that networks between and among NGOs have great potential to impact positively the work on marginalized groups and (2) highlight that volunteer participation and community leaders have vital roles in such organizations. / République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) : un des pays les plus riches en ressources naturelles ; une des plus pauvres en droit de l’homme. Pendant les deux dernières décennies, RDC a enduré deux guerres civiles ajoutées à une histoire d’exploitation coloniale. À la province du Nord Kivu, la région la plus volatile de DRC, organisations non gouvernementales (ONGs) jouent un rôle principal d’apporter assistance aux groupes marginalisés tels comme orphelins, enfants engagés aux conflits armés et enfants (dit) de la rue. Cette étude de cas se propose à décrire comment deux ONGs locales fonctionnent afin d’explorer leurs respectives utilisations de capital social pour épanouir des enfants marginalisés au Nord Kivu. J’ai choisi les théories de capital social et d’autonomisation liés à un modèle d’analyses créé par l’auteur et basée sur la méthode condensation deiiisignification pour analyser les interviews collectées de huit employés d’ONGs spécialisées dans l’assistance aux enfants marginalisés. Les conclusions générales (1) renforcent que les réseaux entre et dedans les organisations ont la potentialité d’avoir un impact positif sur le travail avec des groupes marginalisés et (2) soulignent que l’engagement volontaire et la participation de leaders communautaire jouent rôles capitaux dans ces organisations.

Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) is a persistent and pervasive humanitarian issue, exacerbated by complexities inherent in global conflicts. Recognising the widespread character of CRSV, the need for comprehensive measures to combat it becomes apparent. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where CRSV remains a prevalent element in the conflict, Panzi Hospital stands out for its specialisation in assisting survivors. The hospital has developed a holistic care model known as the Panzi Model, which serves as a guiding framework for their efforts. In an increasingly interconnected world, characterised by blurred borders and interdependence among societies, the importance of knowledge transfer (KT), especially while acknowledging the importance of an intersectional approach, becomes evident. This study aimed to assess stakeholders' perceptions of the transferability of the Panzi Model, with a specific focus on its transfer from the DRC to Ukraine, facilitated by the Mukwege Foundation. Employing a qualitative mixed-methods approach, empirical data was collected through interviews and document analysis. The analysis was guided by a theoretical framework—a process model for KT developed within the scope of this research, integrating intersectionality into all its phases. Key findings reveal optimism regarding the model's adaptability, but significant challenges persist, including cultural barriers and a lack of conscious decision-making processes of KT. While efforts have been made to raise awareness and provide support services in Ukraine, challenges remain, including a disproportionate focus on advocacy efforts, leaving limited space for tangible medical and psychological support efforts––both key components of the Panzi Model. Findings also revealed the complexities of deciding whether to establish one-stop-centres (OSCs) or to work through referral systems. In conclusion, the study suggests that while the philosophy of the Panzi Model can be transferred, its full implementation requires nuanced adaptations. Recommendations include transparent disclosure of adaptations and a focus on underlying principles rather than rigid methods. Additionally, the study advocates for fostering international civil society collaboration and prioritising long-term aid for sustainable development. Overall, successful application of these concepts requires contextual sensitivity and ongoing collaboration among stakeholders.

This study aims to examine the key aspects of the thesis on corruption and the exploitation of natural resources and their connection to conflicts and the resource curse in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through a qualitative content analysis, a thematic approach, and with a perspective rooted in the theoretical framework of the resource curse, the study seeks to identify and discuss the complex factors that drive and sustain instability in the country. Utilizing the resource curse theory, it is explained how natural resources not only fail to promote economic development, but also exacerbate conflicts and political instability. Furthermore, it is observed how the exploitation of natural resources, political instability and structural violence contribute to and maintain a cycle of insecurity in the country. With the theoretical application of the resource curse, the study concludes that power structures and hierarchies affect the distribution of assets and opportunities in society. This curse, deeply rooted in historical injustices and discriminatory norms, continues to reproduce itself through institutional and structural mechanisms. / Denna studie ämnar undersöka de viktigaste aspekterna av uppsatsen om korruption och rovdrift på naturresurser och dess koppling till konflikter och resursförbannelsen i Demokratiska republiken Kongo. Utifrån en kvalitativ innehållsanalys, ett tematiskt tillvägagångssätt och med ett perspektiv ur det teoretiska ramverket resursförbannelsen, ämnar studien identifiera och diskutera de komplexa faktorer som driver och upprätthåller instabilitet i landet. Med hjälp av resursförbannelsen förklaras hur naturtillgångar inte bara misslyckas med att gynna ekonomisk utveckling utan också förvärrar konflikter och politisk instabilitet. Vidare konstateras det hur exploatering av naturresurser, politisk instabilitet och strukturellt våld bidrar till och upprätthåller en cykel av osäkerhet i landet. Med den teoretiska appliceringen av resursförbannelsen konstaterar studien att maktstrukturer och hierarkier påverkar fördelningen av tillgångar och möjligheter i samhället. Denna förbannelse, som rotar sig i djupt historiska orättvisor och diskriminerande normer, fortsätter att reproducera sig själv genom institutionella och strukturella mekanismer.

This dissertation scrutinises two related claims that were particularly heightened in 2009 as the European Union (EU) was celebrating the first tenth anniversary of its European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), the implementing arm of its Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). First, the two policy frameworks allegedly embodied sufficient added value for bettering EU intervention for human protection purposes in third places. Second, the ESDP supposedly enabled the EU to make a difference in its response to two bloody wars that broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) successively in 1996 and 1998. This thesis argues that the alleged added value and difference have been overstated at best. While various studies have taken a similar position, they have important shortcomings for at least four reasons: lack of a comprehensive account of the CFSP motives, capacities, and response; exclusive focus on civil and military operations; focus on the post-Second Congo War period; and a lack of conceptual clarity regarding two key terms – ‘conflict resolution’ and ‘peacebuilding’. This thesis goes beyond generalisation and undertakes a forensic examination of the CFSP statements, decisions, and actions precisely through the lens of Conflict Resolution (CR): a specific subject area of study with its own normative, theoretical, and practical advantages and shortcomings; and with a more comprehensive and indeed seminal conceptualisation of peacebuilding. The outcome is a far more nuanced assessment of failure and success of the EU’s peace endeavours in this context than can be obtained through a broad-brush approach to analysis.

Cette thèse est une étude onomasiologique et sémasiologique de noms de plantes, d'animaux et de champignons dans cinq langues bantu des groupes B80 et H40. Elle débute par une description élémentaire des systèmes phonologiques et morphologiques de ces langues avant d'en faire une étude diachronique. Le dernier chapitre traite des catégorisations populaires des plantes, animaux et champignons. Les usages traditionnels des plantes, des champignons et des animaux sont donnés en annexe, ainsi qu'une vue comparative et la distribution de ces noms sur l'aire bantu.