Publication

This paper discusses progress made toward the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF) at the continental and regional levels. The first section provides a review of the continental framework as it has evolved and been adopted by the African Union (AU). Subsequent sections deal with progress in three African regions, namely the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The conclusion highlights the most salient challenges to the ASF if it is to emerge a meaningful and effective conflict management tool for the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC).