| dc.description.abstract | The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) is a policy and institutional
framework that the African Union (AU) established in 2002. It was intended to be an
operational structure for the effective implementation of the decisions taken by the
African Peaceand Security Council (PSC), in the areas of conflict prevention, conflict
management and post conflict reconstruction in the African continent. However, over
a decade since it came into existence, the continent is still mired in violent conflicts.
In thisregard, APSA performance has been subject of considerable research but the
factors that impede its performance have not been adequately documented. This study
sought to fill this research gap. The objectives of the study were to establish the extent
to which the APSA framework as currently constituted has the institutional capacity
to deliver on its mandate, establish challenges that it faces in responding to conflict
threats in the continent and explore ways through which it can be enhanced. The
research was guided by the The International Regime Theory, International
Liberalism Theory and The Securitization Theory. The study employed a descriptive
research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Due to the
somewhat technical nature of the study, the sample was obtained from relevant
population at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa and Regional Economic
Communities/Regional Mechanisms (REC/RMs) in the continent. The study used
stratified and purposive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and
interview methods and were analysed for descriptive statistics (frequencies, means
and percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlations) using SPSS software.
The results are presented in the form of tables and charts for easier interpretation. The
research findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge while also benefiting
policy makers dealing with peace and security in Africa. The research established that
APSA has largely successfully achieved its mandate and implemented the PSC
decisions. This is despite the numerous challenges it continues to face. It was also
established that there is need to invest more in APSA in order to enhance its
performance. The results established that APSA does have the institutional
capabilities to anticipate and respond to peace and security threats on Somalia.
Inadequacies in the institution’s structure and failure to address root causes of
problem, were established as some of the key challenges facing APSA’s operations in
Somalia. Obsolescence of the current APSA framework was also established to affect
its activities and needed review. Among other recommendations, the researcher
reccommed that; governments of African states to provide adequate financial and
material support to APSA, stakeholders entrusted with the responsibility of managing
and overseeing the activities of APSA need to continuously work towards reducing
the challenges facing APSA, Citizens and governements of African states need to
embrace peace at all times.
Key words: peace operations, post-conflict reconstruction, african peace and security
architecture, regional operation | en_US |
