The relationship between the military and humanitarian organizations in operation restore hope

Co‐ordination of the work of the military intervention forces and humanitarian relief organizations in Somalia was generally successful. In Mogadishu, however, military support to the humanitarian effort was overshadowed by contentious issues, in spite of the teamwork principles built up by UNITAF's Civil‐Military Operations Centre. Institutional differences and problems arising over weapons control and security were more pronounced in Mogadishu than elsewhere in Somalia. Valuable lessons to be learned from this operation are achieving mission clarity, joint planning, education, institutionalizing and strengthening co‐ordination structures, and defining security responsibilities.