The Eastern Africa Standby Force Since 2004: Roles, Challenges and Prospects
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study examines the roles, challenges and prospects of Eastern Africa Standby Force
(EASF) in the maintenance of peace and security in the Eastern Africa since 2004. The
study employed qualitative methodological approach. Accordingly, data was gathered
from both primary and secondary sources, in which case empirical data was gathered
through key informant interviews. Findings of the study show that EASF has limited role in
maintaining peace and security in the region. It has not yet been deployed as a regional
peace-keeping force; rather, it has played only some supportive roles to the United
Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) peace support missions. The study identifies the
following major factors that have impeded the role of EASF. These include lack of proper
organization that embraces all states of the region at the time of EASF’s establishment, the
hegemonic competition between Ethiopia and Kenya, the prevalence of several interstate
and intrastate conflicts in the region, duplication of regional organizations working on the
same area having overlapping membership and competition over funds, absence of strong
legal basis that obliges member states’ contribution of troops and equipments, lack of
adequate finance, and cultural diversity. Notwithstanding those challenges, EASF has a
good future prospect as can be observed from its current activities. The organization has
been conducting pre-deployment joint trainings, field exercises, and participating in the
regional maritime trainings to maintain maritime security. For more successful future
operation of the force, however, the study suggests cooperation among member states,
developing unfettered commitment of member states to contribute force, finance and
logistics as well as standardizing training and doctrines so as to create effective
multinational forces
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