Operationalization of the African Standby Force to effectively respond to crisis situations

Addis Ababa, 13 June 2013 – The 14th International Forum for Africa dubbed (CIFA) of the Institute of Higher National Defence Studies was held in Paris, France from 6 to 13 June 2013. The guest speaker at this high-level forum, Mr. Jean-Baptiste Natama, Chief of Staff at the office of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, presented an update of the implementation of the Continental Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) in general and the African Standby Force (ASF), in particular.

After recalling the vision that underpinned the creation of the ASF, Mr. Natama underlined the objectives and the regional components of the Force. He stressed on the multipurpose nature of the FAA (civil military and police) and its missions. He explained that, some progress has been made in the operationalization of the ASF. A conference to that effect, known as the Continental Post Exercise Command called AMANI AFRICA (Peace in Africa in Swahili) was held in October 2010 in Addis Ababa. The conference marked the first stage of achievements showing the capacity of the Force. It also provided an opportunity for the Force to contribute to the policy decision of the AU with respect to the deployment of missions in the 4th scenario job the ASF.
welcoming the progress made in the implementation of the APSA, Mr. Natama pointed out the major challenges that needs to be addressed to optimize the effectiveness of the ASF, namely: the strong financial and logistical dependence vis-à-vis partners; the malfunctions related to the disparity in military doctrines between Member States; the emerging of new challenges mismatching with the original mandate of the ASF among others. On the political and institutional levels, Mr. Natama underscored the difficulties of coordination between the AU and the Regional Economic Community and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution of Conflicts (RECs and RM), the disparity in the availability of logistics in the Member States and the political constraints in the Member States.

Furthermore, the AUC Chief of Staff said, corrective measures have been taken to remedy the deficiencies identified during AMANI AFRICA exercise and to allow the ASF be fully operational by 2015. Mr. Natama concluded his remarks by stating that “there is need for the African leadership to provide the political will and means to ensure full implementation of the ASF for rapid and effective response to crisis situations. He underscored that the promotion of peace on the continent is a top priority, if Africa is to meet the challenge of development that was set during the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the OAU / AU, in accordance with the Africa 2063 agenda, adopted during the just ended 21st AU Summit with the view of making Africa prosperous and peaceful so that it can plays a key role on the international stage.

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