What is it about?
This article is an attempt to analyze the development of the AU Task Force structure as a discrete collective security construct developed by African states through the AU and the African Peace and Security Architecture. Using the examples of the AU task forces set up to combat the Lord's Resistance Army and Boko Haram, the article explores the advantages and disadvantages of this new security instrument.
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Why is it important?
Understanding the Task Force structure is important as it is a new paradigm created to counter a new security threat. Unlike previous rebellions, the LRA and Boko Haram never posed existential threats to any government but do provide acute security challenges particularly given their predatory and cross border nature of these groups.
Perspectives
Parts of this article come from my direct experience working for the AU and supporting them in setting up these two missions both at HQ and in the field. Although history will be a better judge of their effectiveness, I believe because these missions are composed of forces from neighbouring states that they have both the willingness and knowledge of terrain and target that no foreign force would ever be able to possess. As such, the construct is one which should be understood and further developed.
Matthew Brubacher
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The AU Task Forces: an African response to transnational armed groups, The Journal of Modern African Studies, May 2017, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s0022278x17000040.
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