International operations in Africa often show the lack of mutual understanding.
Joseph (fictional name) lives at the former UN base in Tubmanburg, in Liberia. This is a small town that the peacekeeping mission (UNMIL) left a year ago, as part of its withdrawal. Joseph and his family work as security guards of this camp, which does not seem to have any particular use since it belongs to the local government.
One day, a convoy of peacekeepers arrives and stops to rest in this old base. After doing an inspection, the peacekeepers find an orchard and decide to harvest some vegetables and eat them. But they did not know that they belonged to Joseph and his family. Very angry, the old man goes to the peacekeepers and explain them, with some language barriers, that these were his.
– You have not even asked for permission! -exclaims.
Shortly after, the peacekeepers come back with olive oil, juice, medicines… everything for him. They apologize and leave ashamed. And when the troops finally leave the compound, Joseph gets upset again.
– Very good. You gave me back what you took from me. But now you are leaving without giving me anything for real?
Too late. The convoy is already departing and the peacekeepers look at him from their vehicles with disconcerted faces. Joseph has no more words and waves to them without understanding anything.
The situation is a good representation of what happens when the international community operates in territories where most of the people know nothing about nobody. And neither side seems to make any effort.