Beyonddennis

Peacekeeping Initiatives Led By African Presidents.

By Beyonddennis

Peacekeeping initiatives led by African presidents represent a pivotal shift in the continent's approach to conflict resolution and security. Moving from a historical stance of non-interference, the African Union (AU) and its regional economic communities (RECs) have increasingly embraced a principle of "non-indifference," leading to more proactive and direct interventions in internal conflicts. This evolution underscores a growing commitment by African leaders to foster stability and peace within their own borders, often in complex and challenging environments.

Historical Context and the Rise of African Agency

The foundation for African-led peacekeeping was laid with the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, though its early years were characterized by a strict adherence to the principle of non-interference in member states' internal affairs. However, the tragic 1994 genocide in Rwanda served as a powerful catalyst, prompting a profound re-evaluation of this principle. This led to the formation of the African Union in 2002, with a mandate for greater involvement in peace and security issues, notably through the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and its core organ, the Peace and Security Council (PSC).

Since the turn of the millennium, African-led peace operations have surged, with 38 missions authorized in 25 countries. The AU alone has authorized 22 of these, demonstrating a clear commitment to addressing conflicts on the continent.

Key Organizations and Presidential Leadership

African peacekeeping efforts are primarily driven by the AU and various RECs, which serve as crucial pillars of the African Peace and Security Architecture. These include:

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• The Southern African Development Community (SADC)
• The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
• The East African Community (EAC)
• The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

African presidents have played instrumental roles, not only in authorizing these missions but also in leading mediation efforts and contributing troops. Their leadership has been vital in demonstrating the continent's resolve to address its own security challenges.

Notable Initiatives and Presidential Figures

Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria)

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, both during his military rule and civilian presidency, has been a prominent figure in African peacekeeping. He served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Congo in the early 1960s. As president, he supported the deployment of Nigerian peacekeepers to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of collaborative peace initiatives with South Africa. After his presidency, he continued his work as a peacemaker, notably as the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa, where he played a unique role in brokering the peace deal for Ethiopia's Tigray crisis, a testament to his continued dedication to peace in Africa and beyond.

Thabo Mbeki (South Africa)

South Africa's former President Thabo Mbeki emerged as a key mediator in African conflicts during his tenure. He championed a doctrine favoring dialogue, compromise, and inclusive political settlements. As the inaugural chairperson of the African Union, Mbeki spearheaded the introduction of the African Peer Review Mechanism and sent peacekeepers to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His decision to commit military support to peacekeeping operations in Liberia was a significant reinforcement of South Africa's strategic role on the continent.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia)

As the first woman elected president in an African country, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf successfully led Liberia to sustained peace after a devastating 14-year civil war. She emphasized the vital role of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, noting that "without Liberian women, Liberia would not have had peace today." Her administration's approach included the declaration of peace by ordinary people, the implementation of localized peacekeeping forces, and subsequent international support. She has consistently advocated for a fundamental rethinking of global peacekeeping strategies, highlighting the need for greater regional participation and local engagement.

Paul Kagame (Rwanda)

President Paul Kagame has consistently advocated for the modernization and effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. Rwanda, a significant troop contributor, has emphasized the importance of rapid deployment, protection of civilians, and connection with communities. Kagame has stressed that "the central purpose of peace operations is the protection of civilians." Rwanda's commitment to peacekeeping is deeply informed by its tragic history of the 1994 genocide, reinforcing its determination to protect civilians globally. Rwanda has deployed troops to various missions, including Darfur, the Central African Republic, and, at Mozambique's request, to Cabo Delgado to combat terrorism.

Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has continued the nation's commitment to African peacekeeping. He has reaffirmed South Africa's support for the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), despite the challenges and loss of soldiers. Ramaphosa has stressed that South Africa's military presence in the DRC is part of efforts to protect civilians and restore peace, not a declaration of war. He has also been part of a team of African presidents leading an initiative to broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, demonstrating a broader African diplomatic engagement in global conflicts.

Challenges Faced by African-Led Peacekeeping

Despite significant progress, African-led peacekeeping initiatives face considerable challenges:

• Funding and Resources: Many African-led missions depend heavily on external funding from the United Nations, European Union, and other international donors. The African Union aims for member states to contribute 25% of the costs of AU missions, with the UN covering 75%, but a stable funding basis remains a challenge.
• Capacity Gaps: While capabilities have improved, limitations exist in operational capabilities, logistical support, and the integration with civilian-led conflict management efforts. The African Standby Force (ASF), designed to be a rapid deployment force, has yet to be fully operationalized as a continent-wide, multidisciplinary force, with regional blocs often taking the lead.
• Security Threats: African peacekeepers often operate in high-risk environments, facing well-armed militant groups, leading to significant casualties and loss of materiel.
• Political Will and Coordination: Ensuring consistent political will among member states and effective coordination between the AU and RECs remains crucial.

Successes and Impact

Despite the challenges, African-led peace operations have achieved notable successes:

• Rapid Deployment: Regional actors have demonstrated the ability to deploy to conflict zones more rapidly and with less cost than international peacekeepers, as seen with the ECOWAS Mission in Liberia (ECOMIL).
• Doctrinal Flexibility: African-led missions have shown greater flexibility than UN-sponsored missions, often deploying in the absence of a peace process or agreement, particularly when confronting militant groups.
• Improved Regional Coordination: These operations have fostered significant improvement in coordination among African security forces, especially in addressing cross-border threats like those posed by militant Islamist groups.
• Normative Leadership: African-led initiatives have provided normative leadership in responding to atrocities and unconstitutional seizures of power, aligning with the AU's principle of non-indifference.
• Stabilization and Institution Building: Missions like AMISOM (now ATMIS) in Somalia have been critical in helping to re-establish governance and push back against terrorist groups, despite the ongoing presence of threats. Similarly, the AU mission in Burundi helped stabilize the country for a UN mission to take over.

Future Outlook

The trend of African-led peace operations is likely to continue and grow, filling a vacuum left by the waning deployment of large UN missions. The focus will increasingly be on bolstering the AU's capacity to anticipate and de-escalate conflicts through preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue. Achieving sustainable peace will require increased funding, enhanced capacity building, and stronger partnerships, both within Africa and with international bodies. African presidents will remain at the forefront of these efforts, leveraging their collective will and leadership to address the continent's complex security challenges and ensure a peaceful and secure future for Africa.