Jemma, Hussein(PhD)Bayeh, Endalcachew2018-06-282023-11-042018-06-282023-11-042014-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/4348This 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 forcesenInternational RelationThesis