Peacekeeping in Africa: Trends and Responses

The purpose of this paper is to take stock of current trends in international peacekeeping vis-a-vis the perceived problem of peacekeeping in Africa,

Underpinning the concept of an African Renaissance is an increasing determination to find `African solutions to African problems`. In the realm of peace and security, this sentiment has been clearly expressed by His Excellency Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, Secretary General of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). For example, in his opening address to the Second Meeting of the Chiefs of Defence Staff of Member States of the OAU Central Organ, Salim stressed that, "... OAU Member States can no longer afford to stand aloof and expect the International Community to care more for our problems than we do, or indeed to find solutions to those problems which in many instances, have been of our own making. The simple truth that we must confront today, is that the world does not owe us a living and we must remain in the forefront of efforts to act and act speedily, to prevent conflicts from getting out of control."

Nowhere have these sentiments been more loudly and clearly echoed than in the burgeoning debate on the future of peacekeeping in Africa - a debate which is increasingly focused on efforts to enhance African capabilities for the conduct of peace operations. The purpose of this paper is to take stock of current trends in international peacekeeping vis-a-vis the perceived problem of peacekeeping in Africa, and to briefly outline progress and prospects towards the resolution of this problem.  

Author

Mark Malan, Peace Missions Programme, Institute for Security Studies