The new African Union has set up a security council that has the power to intervene militarily in regional conflicts. Competition among countries for the five seats that will chair the council is intense, as they will be able to advance their individual agendas and foster stability -- or even instability -- on the continent. Issues such as military size, threats to other nations and ties with Europe and the United States will all be a factor.
Analysis
African heads of state agreed July 10 to set up a peacekeeping body and a security council as part of the newly formed African Union, which replaces the 39-year-old Organization of African Unity. The 15-member Peace and Security Council, similar to the U.N. Security Council, will have the power to intervene "militarily in any country where crimes against humanity are taking place."
The UNION intends to create a standing army that can respond to crises on the continent and intervene in member-states to prevent genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The council will be empowered to deploy troops to engage in defensive or offensive action in these conflicts.
Analysis
African heads of state agreed July 10 to set up a peacekeeping body and a security council as part of the newly formed African Union, which replaces the 39-year-old Organization of African Unity. The 15-member Peace and Security Council, similar to the U.N. Security Council, will have the power to intervene "militarily in any country where crimes against humanity are taking place."
The UNION intends to create a standing army that can respond to crises on the continent and intervene in member-states to prevent genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The council will be empowered to deploy troops to engage in defensive or offensive action in these conflicts.