The African Union

This chapter examines the fundamental challenges of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) by studying its institutional structure, including the relationship with Regional Economic Communities (RECs). It reviews the obstacles faced by APSA to effectively achieve its goals as a regional framework comprising the Peace and Security Council, Panel of the Wise, Continental Early Warning System, African Standby Force (ASF) and Peace Fund. Thereafter it examines two AU-led peace operations, the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the AU Mission in Burundi (AMIB), to assess its effectiveness. The chapter focuses on the ASF as a mechanism to react and prevent the escalation of conflict situations in the region. Importantly, the authors critically analyse challenges related to the Westphalian nature of modern African States and highlight how pan-Africanism offers a way out of this impasse. Finally, the chapter argues that the ASF can catalyse regional integration.