The Role of Staff Colleges in preparing Officers to meet Emerging Security Challenges

Evaluating the Readiness of the African Standby Force: Amani Africa - the Cycle Complete

Mr Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission, in his opening address at the Amani Africa Command Post Exercise (CPX) on 29 October 2010, emphasised the importance of Africa’s commitment to solving Africa’s problems and of partnerships with those who wish Africa well. He reminded the audience “…that, with the transformation from the Organisation of African Unity (AOU) into the African Union (AU), African leaders expressed both their desire and commitment to play a greater role in, and to take greater ownership of, peace and security on the African continent.” He added,“while partnership with the international community was important, the international community could not always be relied upon to address threats to peace and security on the African continent. Indeed, Somalia and Rwanda were painful lessons for us all”.