20 Years of the African Standby Force: Achievements and the Need for Adaptation

The African Standby Force (ASF), established by the African Union (AU) 20 years ago, has been a pivotal component in promoting peace and security across the continent. Since its inception, the ASF has deployed 27 peace operations, underscoring its commitment to addressing conflicts and crises in Africa.

Despite these achievements, the ASF's original concept has faced significant challenges. Unfounded assumptions have hindered its effectiveness, necessitating an adaptation to reflect member states' decision-making processes and flexible standby arrangements. This review and adaptation are crucial to ensure the ASF remains relevant in the face of evolving security challenges.

The ASF was designed as a rapid response mechanism to enable the AU to intervene in situations requiring military force. Its concept envisioned multidimensional forces, including civilian, police, and military components, stationed in their countries of origin and ready for rapid deployment. The force aimed to have five regional brigade-sized standby forces, with an overall strength of 25,000 personnel.

However, the ASF's operations have been hampered by challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient training. The review of the ASF highlights the need for adaptation to ensure it can effectively respond to the complex security landscape in Africa.

The African Standby Force's adaptation is crucial for addressing the complex security landscape in Africa, which has broader implications for global peace and stability. If the ASF fails to adapt, it may struggle to respond to emerging threats, potentially leading to increased conflict and instability in the region.

The African Union's Peace and Security Council is set to mark the 20th anniversary of the ASF with a high-level colloquium on May 25, 2024, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The colloquium aims to deliberate on the ASF's role, focusing on key milestones and challenges to further strengthen its institutional capacity.

Prominent figures, including H.E. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and AU Chairperson, and H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council for May 2024, will attend the event. The colloquium will feature a high-level panel discussion leading to the adoption of a Declaration on 20 Years of the AU PSC as the Standing Decision-Making Organ.

The ASF's review underscores the importance of revising its original concept to address current security challenges effectively. By adapting to the decision-making processes of member states and implementing flexible standby arrangements, the ASF can continue to play a vital role in promoting peace and stability in Africa.

As the ASF marks its 20th anniversary, the focus will be on ensuring it remains a relevant and effective tool for addressing the complex security landscape in Africa. The African Union and its member states must work together to address the challenges facing the ASF and strengthen its capacity to respond to emerging threats.

Key Takeaways

• African Standby Force (ASF) marks 20 years promoting peace and security in Africa.
• ASF has deployed 27 peace operations, but faces challenges in effectiveness.
• Review and adaptation needed to address evolving security challenges in Africa.
• ASF's original concept must be revised to reflect member states' decision-making processes.
• Strengthening ASF's capacity is crucial for addressing complex security landscape in Africa.