The Rationale for AfSol in Peace and Security: The Global, National and Regional Precipitants

Abstract

Since the establishment of the African Union in 2001, there has been a heightened
activism for African Solutions (AfSol) in peace and security as opposed to the reality
of external impositions and interventions. This article contends that while international
factors play a role in Africa’s insecurities, the continent suffers largely from the ineptitude
and myopic interests of Africa’s leadership at the state and regional levels. The clamour
for AfSol by political leaders often serves to mask the complicity of local actors in
Africa’s crises especially in peace and security. To ensure sustainable peace and stability
on the continent, the AfSol concept should be underpinned with good governance and
reliable attempts at context-specific solutions alongside mainstream development and
security paradigms.