AMIS in Darfur: Africa's litmus test in peacekeeping and political mediation

Abstract

This article aims to look at the Darfur conflict within the framework of conflict resolution and peacekeeping under the African Union. The operational effectiveness of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), which was mandated to deal with the conflict, is critically examined. In addition to analysing the adequacy of the mandate attention is focused on the critical issues of finance, logistics and, most importantly, politics as it relates to the AU-led mission. The article concludes that efforts to operationalise the efforts the African Union's peace and security architecture, including the African Standby Force, are steps in the right direction but with enormous challenges.