The Quest For a Multidimensional African Standby Force

One of the most novel ideas within the emerging African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) was the creation and adoption of the African Standby Force (ASF) policy framework in 2003–04. Since its adoption by the African Chiefs of Defense in May 2004, the focus has been on developing a multidimensional peace support operation platform. However, more than a decade after the adoption of the African common defense policy, the ASF’s plan to achieve multidimensional capacities by 2015 or beyond remains elusive. This delay has been attributed to several factors, including civil-military tensions. While the ASF structures have made significant efforts in training peacekeepers, the possibility for a multidimensional force in the foreseeable future has not only been delayed, but also significantly undermined. This article points to the need for greater focus on developing civilian and police personnel in order to equip the ASF with the right mix of capacities to respond to the unprecedented asymmetric conflicts in Africa.