Abstract:

The paper delves into the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as established in 2003, within the framework of implementing the AU’s plan for the management of crises and conflicts on the continent. It also analyses the efficacy of financial arrangements for peace missions under APSA. The paper depends on secondary methodology, which remains historical-descriptive in nature. Findings show that, language is one of the barriers to communication among the countries that offer their troops for peacekeeping missions and this can serve as an added funding cost in terms of both time and money in training and integrating military forces of various languages. On the deployment of African Mission in Burundi in 2003 (AMIB) for example, the estimated budget was US$110 million for the initial year. The actual expenditure at the end of the year turned out to be US $134 million. The AU in the absence of adequate funds in its Peace Fund expected to raise the money from donations and pledges. Only US $50 million could be raised. The paper concludes that a united and capable Africa is what regional and international players want. It is therefore essential for African states to demonstrate sufficient political will, capacity and buy-in, which will instill the confidence necessary to galvanize support for its operations and improve funding. The paper recommends a deliberate effort by African heads of states and governments in an improved collective quest for regional and continental security as opposed to the pursuit of wholly national agendas and interests.