IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFRICAN PEACE AND SECURITY ARCHITECTURE; A CASE STUDY OF THE EAST AFRICAN STANDBY FORCE

Abstract

The study explored implementation of African peace and security architecture through the use of the East African Standby Force. Conflict was found to be a challenge to peace and security in the continent, leading to loss of many lives as well as displacement of people. The need to prevent, manage and solved conflicts has pushed for the formation of regional institutions like the ASF, EASF that are used in peace keeping and peace building initiatives. The organizations help in bringing states together so as to formulate policies that can mutually respond to security concerns. Liberal institutionalism theory was used to help in analyzing the implementation of the peace architecture. Case study design was used to help reaching the intended population for the study. Data collected was analyzed through document analysis as a result of the issues that are emerging under the study. Thematic techniques were also employed. The study established that Africa was still seen to experience various conflicts here and there despite that establishment of these bodies and this was as a result of minimal commitment by the member states to provide the necessary requirements for the institutions to be effective. The dynamic nature of conflicts in the continent requires cooperation amongst the states since conflicts have spillover effects. Coordination between institutions was essential as this allows efficiency and effectiveness and in the long run reduces duplication. Thus, the study found that, besides lack of funds, deployment challenges and probable commitments on the part of policy makers, there seems to be areas of friction with regional standby organs as to jurisdiction and priorities. Nation states to have clear policies that can help in addressing the issues of overlapping membership and respond to the immediate need which is sustainable peace and security for sustainable development. It was observed that capacity building is necessary for the security agencies so as to have similar standards while conducting joint operations. This was important due to different cultural practices in the region. The study therefore strongly recommends that a greater and more strategic approach should be taken when it comes to the actual deployment of the East African Standby Force troops in times of operations, which are especially aimed to address both state and non-state conflict situations, in various places within the region.