International peacekeeping trends: the significance of African contributions to African peacekeeping requirements

Abstract

This article provides an overview of UN peacekeeping operations with special reference to the African continent. More specifically, it reflects on current UN peacekeeping operations and discusses international contributions to African peacekeeping requirements. In this regard, it focuses on the nature and profile of international involvement in the UN's most challenging missions on African soil, namely the missions in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo with a view to assessing current international trends. In addition, the article also reflects on developments among African regional organisations in undertaking operations in the realm of peace and security. Two pressing questions are especially addressed: To what extent are developed (industrial) states still involved in peace support in Africa and to what extent have African states assumed greater responsibility for providing the UN and other multinational organisations with peacekeeping personnel?

Notes

Theo Neethling is Associate Professor, Subject Group Political Science (Mil), School for Security and Africa Studies, Faculty of Military Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X2, Saldanha 7395, South Africa.

The AU effectively replaced the OAU with its inception in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa.

SHIRBRIG was established by several Western nations to create a multilateral high readiness potential with a view to improving the UN's conflict management capacity and rapid intervention capabilities.

The ten‐member panel was chaired by Algerian Foreign Minister, Lakhdar Brahimi.

The ECOMOG military intervention did not receive immediate support from the UN, but did receive retroactive involvement and support from the Security Council.

The OAU has always been saddled by the non‐interference clause in its Charter. The intention expressed in the AU Constitutive Act is a huge step forward and a positive opportunity for change.

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Notes on contributors

Theo Neethling ∗

Theo Neethling is Associate Professor, Subject Group Political Science (Mil), School for Security and Africa Studies, Faculty of Military Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X2, Saldanha 7395, South Africa.