Peace & Development in Africa: Examining the AU's Challenge
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Introduction
The
African Union (AU) was established in 2002 with the aim of promoting peace,
security, and development across the continent. However, despite some
successes, the AU has faced significant challenges in achieving its objectives.
This paper will examine the failures of the African Union in maintaining peace
and security and its inability to harness development in the region. The paper
will analyse the various factors that have contributed to the AU's failures and
the implications of these failures for Africa's future.
Peace
and Security
The
African continent has been plagued by conflicts, civil wars, and instability
for decades. The AU was established to address these challenges and promote
peace and security. However, the AU has been criticized for its inability to
effectively address conflicts and prevent the outbreak of new conflicts. For
example, the AU was unable to prevent the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 or the
civil wars in Sudan and South Sudan. According to the African Development Bank
(AfDB), there were 20 ongoing conflicts in Africa in 2019, and the number of
refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) has continued to increase
(AfDB, 2020).
One
of the main reasons for the AU's failure to maintain peace and security is its
weak institutional framework. The AU has limited resources and lacks the
necessary political and financial support from its member states. Additionally,
the AU's peacekeeping operations have been criticized for their inefficiency
and lack of effectiveness. For example, the AU's mission in Somalia, AMISOM,
has been in the country for over a decade and has been unable to fully
stabilize the country.
Development
The
AU was also established to promote economic development across the continent.
However, the AU has not been able to effectively harness development in the
region. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Africa
remains the world's least developed region, with over 40% of the population
living in poverty (UNDP, 2020). Despite some progress, Africa's economic growth
remains sluggish, with an average growth rate of 3.4% in 2019 (AfDB, 2020).
One
of the reasons for the AU's failure to promote economic development is the lack
of integration and coordination among its member states. African countries
remain largely dependent on the export of raw materials and have not been able
to effectively diversify their economies. Additionally, the AU has been
criticized for its lack of political will and commitment to economic
development. Many African governments continue to prioritize their own
interests over the collective interests of the continent.
Implications
The
AU's failures in maintaining peace and security and promoting economic
development have significant implications for Africa's future. The continued
conflicts and instability in the region have led to human suffering, loss of
life, and the displacement of millions of people. Additionally, Africa's
sluggish economic growth has led to high unemployment rates and limited
opportunities for young people.
Conclusion
Although
the Union was established with the aim of promoting peace, security, and
development across the continent, the AU has faced significant challenges in
achieving these objectives. The AU's failures in maintaining peace and security
and promoting economic development are due to weak institutional frameworks,
lack of political will and coordination among member states, and inadequate
financial and technical resources. Addressing these challenges will require a
renewed commitment from African governments and the international community to
support the AU's efforts to promote peace, security, and development in the
region.
References:
African
Development Bank. (2020). African Economic Outlook 2020. Retrieved from
https://www.afdb.org/en/knowledge/publications/african-economic-outlook
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