Perceptions of Peace Operations in Mozambique: Help or Hindrance to Negotiating a New Social Contract?

Local perceptions of peace operations impact their legitimacy and effectiveness and illustrate how communities perceive peace. This article draws on academic work on perceptions of legitimacy in peace operations and uses primary research data to focus on the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). It argues that peace operations supporting unaccountable governments reinforce a social and political order that many locals find unacceptable while neglecting alternative approaches to peace. The findings suggest that peace operations should prioritise inclusive governance if sustainable peace is to be achieved.