The African Standby Force: Major Issues under 'Mission Scenario Six'

Abstract

The African Standby Force is a key institution for the implementation of the peace and security architecture of the African Union (AU), the continental organization of African States. The AU is given the right to intervene in its member states to pre-empt or bring to halt genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The African Standby Force (ASF) is the AU organ mandated to implement the AU's right of intervention by using military force inside member states. This article analyzes the mandate and the role of the African Standby Force in implementing the AU's right of intervention and appraises the prospects and challenges of military intervention by the ASF. It will be argued that there is a need for clarity of doctrine and sustainable funding system to make the African Standby Force an effective organ of military intervention under mission scenario six (use of military force against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.)